Group (chemistry)

In chemistry, a group refers to a column of elements on the periodic table that share similar chemical properties. These elements have the same number of electrons in their outermost shell, known as valence electrons, which influences their reactivity and behavior. For example, all elements in Group 1, called alkali metals, are highly reactive and tend to form +1 charged ions. Groups help predict how elements will interact in chemical reactions, making them fundamental to understanding chemical behavior and the organization of elements.