What term describes elements found in a vertical column sharing similar properties?

• A. Rows
• B. Columns
• C. Elements
• D. Families/Groups

Answer: (D)

Vertical columns in the periodic table are called groups or families. Elements in the same column share similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons, which gives them similar outer-shell configurations and chemistry. For example, alkali metals in one group all have one valence electron and react similarly, while noble gases in another group are very unreactive due to a full outer shell. Rows are periods and run horizontally, so they describe a different kind of pattern. The term that describes elements in a vertical column with similar properties is families or groups.