Multiple Choice
Why are groups on the periodic table also referred to as families?
1
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Group Names
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which statement explains why sulfur is classified as a group 16 element on the periodic table?
A
Sulfur has six valence electrons, which is characteristic of group 16 elements.
B
Sulfur forms compounds only with elements from group 16.
C
Sulfur is a metal, and all metals are found in group 16.
D
Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, so it is placed in group 16.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the periodic table is organized based on elements' electronic configurations, particularly their valence electrons, which determine chemical properties.
Understand that group numbers in the periodic table correspond to the number of valence electrons for the main-group elements; for example, group 16 elements have six valence electrons.
Identify sulfur's position in the periodic table and determine its number of valence electrons by looking at its electron configuration or its group number.
Recognize that sulfur has six valence electrons, which aligns with the characteristic of group 16 elements, explaining its classification.
Note that atomic number alone does not determine group placement, and sulfur is a nonmetal, not a metal, so statements about atomic number or metallic character are incorrect.
5:33mWatch next
Master Periodic Table: Group Names with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Periodic Table: Group Names practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations