[PhysicsIsCoolToo]

So, in my revision book it says I need to know about how to test for a group II ion in solution by adding NaOH(aq)... But it says nothing about it in the book. Does anyone here know how to test for group II ions in solution with NaOH (aq)?

[Arkcon]

The term could be used in two senses -- it could mean Group II of the periodic table, so Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba (assuming they don't let high-schoolers play with radium.)  Or they could be talking about one of the many possible schemes for classical qualitative inorganic analysis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_qualitative_inorganic_analysis#2nd_analytical_group_of_cations So you'll fist have to figure out which set is meant.  In either case, you can build a chart of all the cations, and see what would happen with NaOH.

[PhysicsIsCoolToo]

Sorry I should have been more clear, I meant, and I'm sure the book meant group 2 in the periodic table cations as we haven't discussed groups of qualitative analysis.

Hm, I guess you would just get a group II hydroxide for each which would be a white ppt.

And I guess the rate of dissolving would determine the solubility and thus the specific group 2 hydroxide as their solubility increases down the group...