Why are group 2 elements called alkaline earth metals?

It is much easier to understand when the term alkaline earth metal are explained word by word. The first term alkaline : They are called alkaline earth metals because they form alkaline solutions (hydroxides) when they react with water . read more

The alkaline part of the name comes from the fact that these metal form alkaline solutions, when they react with water. The earth part was added to differentiate these from the group one metals. Alchemists called them earth metals because they though that their oxides were new elements. read more