Which term describes elements in the same column that have the same valence electron configuration and behave chemically alike?

• A. Block
• B. Period
• C. Family
• D. Group

Answer: (D)

In this idea, vertical columns on the periodic table are what group elements by, because elements in the same column share the same number of valence electrons and therefore behave chemically in similar ways. The term for that vertical column is Group (often called a family in casual use). Sharing the same valence electron configuration explains why their bonding and reactivity patterns line up, such as Group 1 metals all having one valence electron and reacting similarly, or Group 17 nonmetals with seven valence electrons and distinctive reactivity, or the noble gases with complete valence shells.

A block refers to a section of the table based on the type of orbital being filled (s, p, d, f) rather than a pattern of chemical similarity down a column. A period is a horizontal row, not the vertical grouping described here. While “family” is sometimes used synonymously with Group, the precise term for describing elements in the same column with the same valence configuration is Group.