Final answer:
The vertical columns in the periodic table indicate groups and families of elements with similar chemical properties and electron configurations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vertical columns in the periodic table indicate groups and families of elements. These groups contain elements with similar chemical properties and electron configurations. For example, Group 1 elements are known as alkali metals, while Group 18 elements are known as noble gases. Groups provide a convenient way to predict and understand the behavior of different elements.