Final answer:
A vertical column of blocks in the periodic table is known as a group or family, and they are essential for understanding elements' chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
A vertical column of blocks in the periodic table is called a group or family. These groups are numbered from 1 to 18, with each group containing elements that have similar chemical properties due to the same number of valence electrons. It is important to note that, while the periodic table also consists of horizontal rows called periods, the vertical columns provide a powerful means for predicting the behavior of elements during chemical reactions.
A vertical column of blocks in the periodic table is called a group. The periodic table is organized into 18 groups or families which are numbered from 1 to 18, starting from the leftmost column and going to the rightmost column. Each group consists of elements that have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons. For example, Group 1 (also known as the alkali metals) includes elements like lithium, sodium, and potassium, which all have one valence electron.