The vertical columns on the periodic table that are numbered 1-18 (from left to right) are called groups or families. Some groups include alkali metals (group 1), alkaline earth metals (group 2), halogens (group 17), and noble gases (group 18). Then we have the 7 horizontal rows that go across the periodic table. These rows are called periods.
Properties:
Alkali Metals:
shiny
soft
silvery
highly reactive at standard temperature and pressure
readily lose their outermost electron to form cations with a charge of +1
Due to their softness, they can all be easily cut with plastic knives, and their smooth surfaces will quickly lose their gloss in the air due to oxidation. All alkali metals are highly reactive with water, halogens and acids.
Alkaline Earth Metals:
shiny
silvery-white
low densities
low melting and boiling points
All the alkaline earth metals found are present in nature.
Halogens:
highly reactive
low melting and boiling point
high electronegativity
nonmetal
Noble Gases:
nonreactive
odorless
low boiling point
nonmetal