Question

In which direction on the periodic table, horizontal or vertical, are elements with similar chemical properties aligned? What are families of elements with similar chemical properties called?

Short answer

Elements with similar chemical properties are aligned vertically on the periodic table. These families of elements with similar chemical properties are called "Groups."

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Periodic Table

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements. Elements are arranged according to their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. There are two ways to identify the direction of elements with similar chemical properties on the periodic table: horizontally (left to right) and vertically (up and down).

Identifying the Direction of Similar Chemical Properties

In the periodic table, as you move horizontally from left to right, the elements change in terms of metallic and non-metallic character, atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity. However, when you move vertically (up and down), elements in the same column or group share similar chemical properties. This is because they have the same number of valence electrons, which determine their chemical reactivity and bonding patterns. So the answer is: Elements with similar chemical properties are aligned vertically on the periodic table.

Naming the Families of Elements with Similar Chemical Properties

Families of elements with similar chemical properties are called "Groups." In the periodic table, there are 18 groups (columns) that have elements with similar chemical properties. Some examples include: 1. Group 1: Alkali Metals (e.g., Lithium, Sodium, Potassium) 2. Group 2: Alkaline Earth Metals (e.g., Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium) 3. Group 17: Halogens (e.g., Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine) 4. Group 18: Noble Gases (e.g., Helium, Neon, Argon) So the answer is: Families of elements with similar chemical properties are called "Groups."