There are 18 groups in the modern periodic table.
The periodic table is organized to display the chemical elements in a useful and logical manner. Elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number and are arranged to highlight periodic trends and patterns in their properties. The current form of the periodic table, often referred to as the modern periodic table, organizes elements into vertical columns called groups and horizontal rows called periods.
According to the provided reference:
- The modern periodic table arranges elements by increasing atomic number.
- It consists of 18 vertical columns, also known as groups.
- It also has 7 horizontal rows, called periods.
Thus, the periodic table's structure is fundamental to understanding element properties and chemical reactions. The grouping of elements with similar characteristics into vertical columns is a direct result of their electron configurations.