Which term names the major vertical categories on the periodic table, such as Alkali Metals and Halogens?

Which term names the major vertical categories on the periodic table, such as Alkali Metals and Halogens?

• A. Alkali Metals
• B. Transition Metals
• C. Groups (Families)
• D. Noble Gases

Answer: (C)

Groups, or families, are the vertical columns of the periodic table. Elements in a group share the same number of valence electrons, which makes their chemical behavior similar from top to bottom of that column. Alkali Metals and Halogens are examples of these vertical categories, each occupying a different group. Saying groups is the broad label that names all these vertical categories, whereas terms like Transition Metals or Noble Gases refer to specific groups or a particular part of the table.

Groups, or families, are the vertical columns of the periodic table. Elements in a group share the same number of valence electrons, which makes their chemical behavior similar from top to bottom of that column. Alkali Metals and Halogens are examples of these vertical categories, each occupying a different group. Saying groups is the broad label that names all these vertical categories, whereas terms like Transition Metals or Noble Gases refer to specific groups or a particular part of the table.