Video Question #3 What do elements in the groups 1A through 8A have in common? (Choose all that apply)

a
they were all discovered around the same time
b
they all will have the same oxidation states for the ions they form
c
they all have the same number of energy shells
d
they all have the same number of valence electrons
e
they all have similar properties

1 answer

Elements in groups 1A through 8A (the main groups of the periodic table) have certain similarities. The correct options that apply are:

d - they all have the same number of valence electrons.
e - they all have similar properties.

Here’s a brief explanation:

  • d: Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which determines their chemical reactivity and properties.
  • e: Elements in the same group often have similar chemical properties due to their similar electron configurations.

The other options do not accurately describe commonalities across these groups:

  • a: They were not all discovered around the same time.
  • b: They do not all have the same oxidation states; this varies between groups.
  • c: They do not all have the same number of energy shells; that varies, especially for elements across different periods.