All elements in one group have the same number of elements in their outer electron shell. For example, all elements in Group III would have 3 valence electrons.
As a result of this characteristic, the chemical properties of all elements in a group are similar. Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) are both in Group I. This means they both have one valence electron each. They are both very reactive elements and have similar compounds like:
NaCl and KCl
Na2CO3 and K2CO3
Both K and Na are acting as electron donors in the reactions.
Let's look at another example; this time calcium and magnesium. Their respective compounds are:
Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2
CaCO3 and CaCO3
Calcium and magnesium are also electron donors.
Halogens, elements from Group 17 are electron acceptors and include elements like:
Chlorine
Fluorine
Iodine
As a result of this characteristic, the chemical properties of all elements in a group are similar. Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) are both in Group I. This means they both have one valence electron each. They are both very reactive elements and have similar compounds like:
NaCl and KCl
Na2CO3 and K2CO3
Both K and Na are acting as electron donors in the reactions.
Let's look at another example; this time calcium and magnesium. Their respective compounds are:
Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2
CaCO3 and CaCO3
Calcium and magnesium are also electron donors.
Halogens, elements from Group 17 are electron acceptors and include elements like:
Chlorine
Fluorine
Iodine