16. As he developed his periodic table, Mendeleev grouped the elements lithium, sodium, and potassium together. What observation was likely a factor in his decision
to group these elements?

the reactivity and the valence electrons

Explanation:

the reactivity of the elements would have played a significant role in why such elements were grouped together. the number of valence electrons dictates how reactive an element is - the less valence electrons the more reactive it is. the column, group 1 in which these elements are put together in, show that each of the elements have 1 valence electrons and are therefore reactive.

you can go on to further explain what valence electrons are, explain what the group numbers are associated with the valence electrons and how valence electrons effect reactivity. further this, talk about how the three elements have the same number of valence electrons and therefore were grouped together