What group does rad ium belong to?

Radium belongs to Group 2 of the Periodic Table, which is known as the alkaline earth metals. This group includes other elements like beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium. Radium is radioactive and was discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. It is characterized by its silvery-white appearance and is primarily used in radiation therapy and historically in luminous paints.