Answer
See explanation below.
Work Step by Step
Beryllium is generally the exception to properties exhibited by other alkaline earth elements.
a) Here, Be does not behave like other alkaline earth metals: BeO(s) + H2O(l) →NR.
The oxides of alkaline earth metals are strongly basic, but BeO is amphoteric. BeO will react with both acids and bases to form salts, but an amphoteric substance does not react with water.
b) Here, Be does behave like other alkaline earth metals:
BeCl2(l) + 2 Cl–(solvated) → BeCl42–(solvated)
Each chloride ion donates a lone pair of electrons to form a covalent bond with the Be in BeCl2. Metal ions form similar covalent bonds with ions or molecules containing a lone pair of electrons. The difference in beryllium is that the orbital involved in the bonding is a p-orbital, whereas in metal ions it is usually the d-orbitals that are involved