What is the difference between a period and a group in the periodic table

Groups and periods are just ways to divide and categorise elements in the periodic table according to their properties- be it physical or chemical. A period is the horizontal line and all the elements in one period have the same number of energy levels. A group is the vertical line and all the elements in a group have the same number of electrons in the outer most energy level- hence why they have similar chemical properties as the electrons on the outer shell dictate reactability.

ZK
Answered by Zoya K. Chemistry tutor

20562 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Trend in Melting point going down group 1 elements


Explain why the reactivity of the elements in group 1 increases as we go down the periodic table?


Describe how elements are arranged in the periodic table


How many protons, neutrons and electrons are present in a Lithium (Li+) ion?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning