Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The periodic table is organized into horizontal rows and vertical columns. The question asks for the number of horizontal rows.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{The horizontal rows in the periodic table are called periods.} \\ \bullet & \text{The vertical columns are called groups.} \\ \bullet & \text{In the modern periodic table, there are a total of 7 periods.} \\ \bullet & \text{The period number of an element signifies the principal energy level for its outermost electrons.} \\ \end{array}\]
Step 3: Final Answer:
There are 7 periods in the modern periodic table.