https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration short version: the electrons assemble in asymmetric l

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration short version: the electrons assemble in asymmetric layers, conferring properties to the atoms. Thus the atoms on the same columns having comparable properties by having the same layers occupied by electrons. and that's the "I flunked the exam" version, I'm sure this level of explanation is ridiculously simplified compared to the real deal ;)