Final answer:
The elements on the periodic table are organized based on their shared chemical and physical properties. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells, while elements in the same group have similar chemical properties due to the same number of valence electrons. The periodic table allows us to predict the general properties of elements based on their location.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements on the periodic table are organized in rows and columns based on their shared chemical and physical properties. The rows are called periods, while the columns are called groups. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells, while elements in the same group have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
For example, elements in Group 1, also known as the alkali metals, all have one valence electron and are highly reactive. Elements in Group 18, the noble gases, have complete electron shells and are therefore stable and unreactive.
The periodic table allows us to predict the general properties of elements based on their location. For instance, elements on the left side of the periodic table are metals, which are generally good conductors of heat and electricity. Elements on the right side are nonmetals, which are poor conductors. In between are metalloids, which display both metallic and nonmetallic properties.