The vertical columns in the Periodic Table are termed as — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Vertical Columns in the Periodic Table **Step 1: Identify what vertical columns represent** The vertical columns in the Periodic Table arrange elements based on the number of valence electrons in their outermost shell. **Step 2: Define the term for vertical columns** Vertical columns are called **Groups** (or sometimes Families). Each group contains elements with similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. **Step 3: Understand the naming system** - Groups are numbered 1-18 (modern IUPAC system) or IA-VIIIA (older system) - All elements in the same group show similar behavior in chemical reactions **Step 4: Contrast with horizontal rows** - Horizontal rows are called **Periods** (not groups) - Periods indicate the number of electron shells **Conclusion:** The correct answer is **B: Groups** because vertical columns group elements with identical valence electron configurations, making them chemically similar. For example, Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 17 (halogens) each contain elements with predictable, analogous properties.