Periodicity of physical properties

The recurrence of similar properties of the elements when they are arranged in the order of increasing atomic number, after certain regular intervals, is called periodicity.

Cause of periodicity of elements

The modern periodic table is based on the electronic configuration of the elements. The properties of an element are determined largely by the electrons in its outermost or valence shell. Valence electrons interact with other atoms and take part in all chemical reactions, while inner shell electrons have little influence on the properties of elements.

When elements are placed in the order of their increasing atomic number, the elements having the same number of valence shell electron is repeated in such a way, so as to fall under the same group. Since, the electronic configuration of the valence shell electrons is same they show similar properties.