What was one consequence of arranging elements strictly by atomic weight in early periodic tables?

One consequence was that some elements were placed in groups that did not reflect their chemical properties, leading to inaccuracies in predicting their behavior. For example, elements with similar properties were sometimes separated due to their atomic weights.

This answer is strong as it highlights the impact of strict atomic weight arrangements on the classification of elements, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between atomic weight and chemical properties. The question tests the application of knowledge regarding the historical context of the periodic table.