What are periods and groups on the periodic table?

The vertical columns on the periodic table are called groups or families because of their similar chemical behaviour. All the members of a family of elements have the same number of valence electrons and similar chemical properties. The horizontal rows on the periodic table are called periods.

Explanation:

The vertical columns on the periodic table are called groups or families because of their similar chemical behavior. All the members of a family of elements have the same number of valence electrons and similar chemical properties. The horizontal rows on the periodic table are called periods.

Explanation:

atomic number of carbon is 6

electronic configuration of carbon is 1s²2s²2p²

orbital diagram of carbon is as shown here in the image.