Final answer:
Elements in the same group have the same valence electron configuration and similar chemical properties. Group 1 elements, also known as alkali metals, each have a single electron in their valence shell, leading to their chemical similarities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to which elements have their valence electrons in the same shell. Based on the information provided and the rules of the periodic table, elements in the same group (column) have the same number of valence electrons and similar chemical properties. Elements with a single electron in their valence shell belong to Group 1 of the periodic table, also known as the alkali metals.
This group includes hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). These elements all have a valence configuration of an s1 electron. For example, for lithium, the electron configuration in the valence shell would be 2s1, indicating one electron in the second shell's s subshell. The similarity in valence shell electron configurations within a group leads to similar chemical properties among these elements.