Which of the following statements correctly describes the organization of rows and columns in the periodic table?

• A. Columns are called periods and group elements with similar chemical properties.
• B. Rows are called periods and represent elements with the same number of electron shells.
• C. Rows are called groups and contain elements with similar valence electron configurations.
• D. Columns are called families and represent elements with increasing atomic number.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the periodic table is organized into rows and columns, each with specific names and significance.
2. Recall that rows in the periodic table are called periods, and each period corresponds to elements with the same number of electron shells or energy levels.
3. Recognize that columns in the periodic table are called groups or families, and elements in the same group have similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons.
4. Note that the atomic number increases from left to right across a period (row), not down a column.
5. Use these definitions to evaluate each statement and identify which correctly describes the organization of rows and columns in the periodic table.