Elements in the same group exhibit similar valence electron configurations from "summary" of The Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction by Eric R. Scerri
One of the fundamental principles of the periodic table is that elements within the same group share similar characteristics. This similarity can be attributed to their valence electron configurations, which play a crucial role in determining an element's chemical behavior. Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom, and they are involved in the formation of chemical bonds. Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which gives them comparable chemical properties. For example, all elements in Group 1, such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, have one valence electron. This commonality results in these elements exhibiting similar reactivity, particularly in their tendency to lose this single electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Similarly, elements in Group 17, such as fluorine, chlor...
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