What common characteristics do elements within a group of the periodic table have?

Key Concepts

Periodic Table Groups

Elements in the same group of the periodic table share similar chemical properties due to their similar valence electron configurations. For example, Group 1 elements, known as alkali metals, all have one electron in their outermost shell, which leads to comparable reactivity and bonding behavior.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and play a crucial role in determining an element's chemical properties and reactivity. Elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which influences how they interact with other elements and form compounds.

Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactivity refers to how readily an element undergoes chemical reactions, which is largely influenced by its electron configuration. Elements in the same group often exhibit similar reactivity patterns; for instance, halogens in Group 17 are highly reactive nonmetals, while noble gases in Group 18 are largely inert due to their full valence electron shells.