Which element would Element X most likely be grouped with on the periodic table?

Which element would Element X most likely be grouped with on the periodic table?

• A. potassium
• B. calcium
• C. chlorine
• D. copper

Answer: (A)

Elements that sit in the same column on the periodic table share similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. Potassium is in the first group, the alkali metals, which have one valence electron and highly reactive behavior. If Element X is grouped with potassium, it would be because Element X is part of that same family of elements with one valence electron, not calcium (which is in Group 2), chlorine (a halogen in Group 17), or copper (a transition metal). So Element X would be placed with potassium in the alkali-metal column.

Elements that sit in the same column on the periodic table share similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. Potassium is in the first group, the alkali metals, which have one valence electron and highly reactive behavior. If Element X is grouped with potassium, it would be because Element X is part of that same family of elements with one valence electron, not calcium (which is in Group 2), chlorine (a halogen in Group 17), or copper (a transition metal). So Element X would be placed with potassium in the alkali-metal column.