Why do elements in the same group have similar properties and how does this affect bonding capabilities ?

The name of the ion, s2-, is: sulfurous ion sulfide ion sulfur ion sulfate ion

Which statement correctly describes the phosphate ion, ? it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a –3 charge distributed over the entire ion. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms covalently bonded together, and there is a –3 charge on the phosphorus atom. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a –3 charge distributed over the entire ion. it is composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms ionically bonded together, and there is a –3 charge on the phosphorus atom.

If two identical atoms are bonded,what kind of molecule is formed