What do elements in the first two columns of the periodic table have in common? (2 points)

Question

Group of answer choices

They have two valence electrons.

They tend to lose electrons to gain stability.

They react strongly with the alkali metals.

They do not react with halogens.

Answer 1

The elements in the first two columns of the periodic table (Group 1 and Group 2) have the following in common:

1. They tend to lose electrons to gain stability. - Elements in these groups tend to lose their valence electrons to achieve a stable, noble gas electron configuration.

2. They have two valence electrons. - This describes the elements in Group 2 (the alkaline earth metals); however, Group 1 has one valence electron.

Thus, for the first two columns (Groups 1 and 2), the most accurate commonality is:

They tend to lose electrons to gain stability.

The second statement is the generally applicable one for both groups.