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How is the periodic table like a family tree?

Add as many details as you know on how the periodic table is like a family tree ... :) thanks How are they all related to each other? thanks rrrrrrrr your answer is the best, i just can't put it yet, im too early a level

Public Comments

1. http://www.kentchemistry.com/links/PeriodicTableLinks.htm use these links
2. It does not look like one, but based on the Columns and Rows the elements belong to groups like Halogens and Alkali Earth Metals.
3. They are all related to each other
4. i think it's like a family tree in the following ways: * it shows all the names * it shows the similarities and differences * it shows lots of info at a glance * it's always set up in the same way
5. The periodic table shows all the members of your favorite family and mine, the Elements. Not only does it show WHO is in the family-- Helium, Radon, Lead, etc.-- but it also shows the RELATIONSHIPS between them, for example, Noble gases, metals, non-metals, etc. Thus, just like a family tree, which shows all the people in the family and the relationships between them (who's married to whom, which children are siblings...), the periodic table shows the individual elements as well as the groups they belong to and their relationship to one another
6. A family tree is a genetic map. Closely related members have similar but not identical traits. The atomic members in a column of the periodic table are also related, not by genes but by similarities in their outer electron shells. The number of electrons is governed by the number of protons deep inside the atom like our outer traits such as skin color, height, hair, etc are governed by the genes deep inside our cells. Members of an atomic family (column) with a single electron on the outer shell tend to transfer that electron easily to other atoms. Members with an almost full shell tend to accept electrons readily. Families that are between the excess and deficit states tend to share (as opposed to transferring) their electrons with others. And the family that has its outer shell full, doesn't give, accept or share its electrons with hardly anything. Although I think they are cultural rather than a genetic traits, human families can be giving, donating their time to and money to charity, neighbors and social organizations. Others families are accepting, looking for a way to gather more resources for themselves. Still others tend to not interact with others at all, and neither contribute or consume beyond their own immediate existence. These traits are usually found first in the parents and then are taken up by their children.