Which of these elements has physical and chemical properties most similar to silicon (Si) ?

(1) germanium (Ge) (3) phosphorus (P)

(2) lead (Pb) (4) chlorine (Cl)

In order from most to least similar:

1. Germanium

2. Lead

3. Phosphorus

4. Chlorine

The elements in the same column as the element you have are the most similar. The rows are not. For example, though chlorine and magnesium are in the same row, they have very different properties, whereas chlorine and fluorine more similar