Elements that lie in the same column on the periodic table (called a group) have identical valance electron configurations and consequently behave in a similar fashion chemically. For instance, all the group 18 elements are inert, or noble gases.lement groups are either nonmetals or various subsets of metals, but there is no distinct line between the two types of elements. Metal elements are usually good conductors of both electricity and heat. Subsets are based on similar characteristics and chemical properties.