Multiple Choice
How are the elements arranged in the modern periodic table?
3
views
4. Atoms and Elements
Periodic Table: Classifications
Struggling with Introduction to Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In Mendeleev’s original periodic table, what primary criterion did he use to arrange the elements?
A
By increasing atomic number, grouping elements by identical numbers of protons
B
By increasing atomic radius, arranging elements from smallest to largest atoms
C
By increasing atomic mass, grouping elements with similar chemical properties into the same columns
D
By increasing electronegativity, placing the most electronegative elements first
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that Mendeleev's original periodic table was developed before the discovery of the atomic number and protons.
Recognize that Mendeleev arranged elements primarily based on their increasing atomic mass, which was the best available measurable property at the time.
Note that he also grouped elements with similar chemical properties into the same columns, which helped predict the properties of undiscovered elements.
Recall that the concept of atomic number (number of protons) was introduced later and was not used by Mendeleev.
Therefore, the primary criterion Mendeleev used was arranging elements by increasing atomic mass while grouping those with similar chemical properties together.
2:40mWatch next
Master Periodic Table: Classifications with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Periodic Table: Classifications practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations