When it comes to studying chemistry, it’s important to understand the periodic table. The periodic table is a tool used to categorize and organize the various elements. It contains rows, columns, and blocks that each contain certain elements. Of these, the vertical columns are particularly important, as they are used to classify elements by their properties. So what are vertical columns on the periodic table called?

Groups and Periods

Vertical columns on the periodic table are called groups or families. The elements in a group have similar properties and react similarly to other elements. Elements within a group have the same number of electrons in their outermost shell, called the valence shell. This allows them to form bonds with other elements. Groups are further divided into periods, which are horizontal rows on the periodic table. Periods have elements with different properties, but they all have the same number of shells.

Properties of Groups and Periods

The elements in a group are categorized by their chemical behavior. For example, elements in the same group usually react in the same way. This means that they often form compounds with similar chemical properties. For example, elements in the alkali metals group, such as sodium and potassium, are all highly reactive with water.

The elements in a period have different chemical properties from one another. This means that the elements in the same period can have very different reactions with other elements. For example, the elements in the first period, such as hydrogen and lithium, have very different chemical properties.

Groups and Periods in the Periodic Table

The periodic table is divided into 18 groups and seven periods. Each group and period is given a number to help identify it. For example, group 1 is known as the alkali metals, while period 3 is known as the transition metals. Each group and period is also color-coded for easy identification.

Within each group and period, the elements are organized according to their atomic number. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element. By organizing the elements according to their atomic number, the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical behavior of an element.

Using Groups and Periods to Identify Elements

Groups and periods are useful for identifying elements. By looking at which group and period an element is in, you can determine its properties. For example, if you know that an element is in group 1 and period 3, you can infer that it is a transition metal with a high reactivity with other elements.

Groups and periods are also useful for predicting chemical reactions. By looking at which elements are in the same group, you can predict the type of reaction that will occur. For example, if two elements are in the same group, they are likely to form a chemical bond.

Conclusion

Vertical columns on the periodic table are called groups or families. Groups contain elements with similar properties, while periods contain elements with different properties. Groups and periods are useful for predicting chemical reactions and identifying elements. They are color-coded and organized according to their atomic number to make them easier to understand and use.