Final answer:
The periodic table is structured to illustrate the electron shell arrangements of elements, with each row indicating the number of electron shells. Elements in the same column exhibit similar valence electron configurations, which determine their chemical properties. The outermost electron shells are crucial in chemical reactions and the stability of elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The periodic table is designed to display elements in a manner that showcases the arrangement of their electron shells. Each row, also known as a period, represents the number of electron shells within the atoms of the elements in that row. For instance, elements in the second row, such as lithium (Li), beryllium (Be), boron (B), and so forth, contain electrons in only the first and second shells. As you move across a period from left to right, the number of electrons in the outermost shell increases, which influences the element's chemical properties.
Group 18 elements like helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar) have completely filled outer electron shells, which make them inert or noble gases due to their stability and lack of reactivity. In contrast, Group 1 elements such as hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), and sodium (Na) have just one electron in their outermost shell, making them highly reactive as they seek to achieve a full shell by donating or sharing an electron. The electron configurations of these elements are pivotal in determining their chemical behavior. The shape of the periodic table effectively represents the filling order of these electron subshells, with each column indicating elements with similar valence electron configurations.