A column of elements in the periodic table having similar valence electron arrangement is called a group or a family. The elements within the same group generally have the same number of valence electrons, which are the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom. These elements often exhibit similar chemical properties due to their similar valence electron arrangement. Examples of groups include the alkali metals (Group 1), alkaline earth metals (Group 2), halogens (Group 17), and noble gases (Group 18).
