Follow up to Experiment question

Describe the patterns in the electronic configurations of the elements.

Each row across the periodic table is called a period and the elements gradually change properties from left to right.  Can you explain this in terms of the electronic configurations?

Each column of the periodic table is called a family.  Elements in the same family have similar properties.  Are there any similarities in the electronic configuration within a family (column)?

Would you expect the size of the atoms to increase, decrease, or stay the same from the top of the column (family) to the bottom of the same column (same family)?   Explain.