Final answer:
The periodic table has a regular rectangle shape due to the orderly filling of electron subshells, with inner transition elements placed at the bottom. It is not irregularly shaped, the groups are vertical, periods are horizontal, and nonmetals occupy less than half its area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The periodic table is organized in a special way that reflects the atomic structure and chemical behavior of elements. Here are the correct statements regarding the structure of the periodic table:
- The inner transition elements are placed at the bottom of the periodic table to keep the table's overall shape more manageable and to make it easier to view the relationship among other elements.
- The periodic table has a regular rectangular shape with horizontal rows called periods and vertical columns called groups, not an irregular shape as suggested in one of the options.
- The distribution of electrons in energy levels is responsible for the overall shape of the periodic table, as it mimics the filling of subshells with electrons.
Contrary to the claims in the question, nonmetals do not take up more than half the area of the periodic table. Also, the periodic table actually has vertical groups and horizontal periods, not the other way around.