Multiple Choice
Which term is used to describe the vertical columns on the periodic table?
2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Group Names
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What do the elements in each column (group) of the periodic table have in common?
A
They have similar chemical properties due to the same number of valence electrons.
B
They belong to the same period.
C
They have identical atomic masses.
D
They have the same atomic number.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the periodic table is arranged in columns called groups and rows called periods.
Recognize that elements in the same group (column) have the same number of valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell.
Recall that valence electrons largely determine an element's chemical properties, such as reactivity and bonding behavior.
Note that elements in the same period (row) have the same number of electron shells, but different numbers of valence electrons.
Conclude that elements in each group share similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons, not because they have the same atomic mass or atomic number.
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