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. The number of neutrons in the nucleus
- B. The atomic mass of the element
- C. The proton number of the element
- D. The number of electrons in the outer shell
Answer
The proton number of the element
Explanation
The position of an element in the periodic table is determined by its proton number, which defines its identity as an element. This is evidenced by the arrangement of elements in order of increasing atomic number, which correlates with their chemical properties and periodic trends.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Periodic Trends
Students often confuse the trends in atomic radius and ionisation energy across Period 3, thinking they behave similarly.
To fix this, students should focus on the underlying reasons for each trend, such as electron shielding and effective nuclear charge, which influence atomic radius and ionisation energy differently.
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