Explain how to obtain hydroxides of alkaline earth metal elements. Also,discuss the properties of these hydroxides.

(N/A) The hydroxides of alkaline earth metals are obtained by the reaction of their oxides with water:
$MO + H_2O \rightarrow M(OH)_2$
Properties of these hydroxides:
$1$. The solubility,thermal stability,and basic character of these hydroxides increase down the group from $Mg(OH)_2$ to $Ba(OH)_2$.
$2$. Alkaline earth metal hydroxides are less basic and less stable than alkali metal hydroxides.
$3$. $Be(OH)_2$ is amphoteric in nature,reacting with both acids and bases:
- With bases: $Be(OH)_2 + 2OH^{-} \rightarrow [Be(OH)_4]^{2-}$ (Beryllate ion)
- With acids: $Be(OH)_2 + 2HCl + 2H_2O \rightarrow [Be(H_2O)_4]Cl_2$