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** Vertical columns in the Periodic Table are arranged based on the number of valence electrons in atoms of elements placed in them. **Step 2: Recognize the terminology** Elements in the same vertical column share similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. This grouping is called a **group** or **family**. **Step 3: Why B is correct** The vertical columns are termed as **groups** (or chemical families). For example: - Group 1: Alkali metals ($Li, Na, K$, etc.) - Group 17: Halogens ($F, Cl, Br$, etc.) - Group 18: Noble gases ($He, Ne, Ar$, etc.) **Step 4: Why other options are wrong** - **Periods**: These are horizontal rows (arranged by increasing atomic number) - **Blocks**: These refer to $s$, $p$, $d$, $f$ regions based on electron configuration - **Series**: This term is used for lanthanides/actinides, not general vertical columns **Answer: B – Groups** (or families/chemical families)