Element groups, or families, are the columns in the periodic table. All elements within a group have the same number of valence electrons.
This similarity gives them comparable chemical and physical properties.
Here are key examples of element groups:
- Group 1: Known as alkali metals, these elements are highly reactive.
- Group 2: Alkaline earth metals, which are also quite reactive.
- Group 17: Halogens, very reactive nonmetals.
- Group 18: Noble gases, which are mostly inert and unreactive.
Let's return to our exercise: Elements in the same group, like calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr), share similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. In this case, both have two valence electrons, making them behave similarly in chemical reactions.