What criterion is used to arrange the elements in columns on the periodic table?
a. similarity in size
b. similarity in properties
c. similarity in date of discovery
d. similarity in melting point

The correct answer is B. Similarity in properties

Explanation:

The periodic table contains all the known chemical elements; these are arranged in different columns and rows according to atomic number, electron shells, and chemical properties. In the case of columns, elements are organized in these according to properties. In this way, each column contains a group of elements with certain features; for example, elements in the first column from left to right are alkali metals, which are reactive, soft elements with a similar electron configuration. According to this, the criterion used to arrange the elements in columns on the periodic table is the similarity in properties.