Multiple Choice
The modern periodic table is primarily arranged in order of increasing which property?
3
views
9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius (Simplified)
Struggling with Introduction to Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Based on the periodic table, which statement correctly compares mercury and tin?
A
Atomic mass cannot be compared using the periodic table.
B
Mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) have the same atomic mass.
C
Mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn).
D
Tin (Sn) has a greater atomic mass than mercury (Hg).
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the positions of mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) on the periodic table. Mercury is in group 12 and period 6, while tin is in group 14 and period 5.
Recall that atomic mass generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table because elements have more protons and neutrons in their nuclei.
Since mercury is below tin in the periodic table (period 6 vs. period 5), mercury is expected to have a higher atomic mass than tin.
Verify the atomic masses by checking the periodic table values: atomic mass of mercury (Hg) is approximately 200.59 u, and atomic mass of tin (Sn) is approximately 118.71 u.
Conclude that mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn), making the statement 'Mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn)' correct.
2:02mWatch next
Master Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius (Simplified) Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius (Simplified) practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations