The elements that have the most similar chemical properties are those that have the same number of valence electrons. Elements with the same number of valence electrons can be found in the same column or "group" on the periodic table. The elements that satisfy this criterion are Mg, Sr, and Ba.
Reactants are starting materials and are written on the left-hand side of the equation. Products are the end-result of the reaction and are written on the right-hand side of the equation.
