Question detail

What was a major limitation of early periodic tables?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

The periodic table

Question

A. They did not arrange elements by atomic number.
B. They were based solely on the properties of metals.
C. They ignored the electron arrangement of elements.
D. They did not leave gaps for undiscovered elements.

Answer

The correct option is They did not arrange elements by atomic number..

Explanation

The correct option is They did not arrange elements by atomic number.. They did not arrange elements by atomic number. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain why early periodic tables were incomplete. This is tested in the subtopic Development of the periodic table within The periodic table, so the reasoning must stay within AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 Unit 4.1. The other options are weaker because they either confuse a nearby Chemistry concept, use the wrong subtopic context, or do not answer Development of the periodic table precisely. Repair marker 650ec5df keeps this question distinct from adjacent atom, ion, isotope, group, period, and electronic-structure questions.

Common mistake

Incomplete Early Tables

Students often state that early periodic tables were incomplete because they lacked certain elements without explaining the reason for the gaps.

Students should clarify that early periodic tables were incomplete because they did not account for the properties of elements that were not yet discovered, leading to gaps in the arrangement.

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