Final answer:
Elements in each column of the periodic table exhibit similar chemical properties due to the same number of valence electrons and electron distribution in their valence shells. The metallic character also tends to increase down a group despite varied physical states.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements in each column of the periodic table have the similarity of having the same number of valence electrons, which leads to similar chemical properties among them. For instance, elements in the first column, known as the alkali metals, have one valence electron, thus they all react vigorously with water and form similar compounds with nonmetals. The columns, or groups, categorize elements with the same valence shell electron distribution, making it easier to predict the chemical behavior of elements within a group.
To illustrate, halogens share similar tendencies to gain one electron to achieve a noble gas configuration. Overall, the periodic table groups elements to reflect their chemical reactivity and electron configurations.
Another observation is that within a group or family of the periodic table, specific trends can be identified. For instance, the metallic character tends to increase as one proceeds down the group, and the type of physical state (gas, liquid, solid) and its associated properties can dramatically change although the chemical behavior remains alike.