Question detail
What determines the position of an element in the periodic table?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Periodicity
Question
- A. Number of neutrons
- B. Proton number
- C. Mass number
- D. Electron configuration
Answer
Proton number
Explanation
The position of an element in the periodic table is determined by its proton number, which corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus and defines the element's identity.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Block Classification
Students often confuse the block classification of elements with their position in the periodic table, failing to link it to the electron configuration.
To correctly classify elements, remember that the block (s, p, d, f) corresponds to the highest energy sublevel that is being filled. For example, elements in the s block have their outermost electrons in the s sublevel. Use the periodic table to identify the block and then write the electron configuration to confirm.
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