The periodic table organizes chemical elements based on their atomic structure and properties. Elements in the same column, or group, tend to share similar chemical properties. For example, alkali metals like sodium and potassium are highly reactive and share similar behaviors. Trends such as atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity vary across periods and groups, helping chemists predict element behavior.
The periodic table is a powerful tool for understanding the relationships between elements and their compounds. Over time, new elements have been discovered, and the table has been updated to reflect these findings. Scientists continue to explore the properties of unknown elements, pushing the boundaries of chemistry and atomic theory.