Which nonmetallic element in period 3 of the periodic table has an atomic mass closest to 32?

• A. Sodium (Na)
• B. Sulfur (S)
• C. Chlorine (Cl)
• D. Phosphorus (P)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in period 3 of the periodic table. Period 3 includes the elements: Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl), and Argon (Ar).
2. Focus on the nonmetallic elements in period 3. These are Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), and Chlorine (Cl). Sodium (Na) is a metal, so it can be excluded.
3. Recall or look up the atomic masses of the nonmetallic elements in period 3: Phosphorus (P) has an atomic mass around 31, Sulfur (S) around 32, and Chlorine (Cl) around 35.5.
4. Compare the atomic masses to the target value of 32. Determine which element's atomic mass is closest to 32 by calculating the absolute difference between each atomic mass and 32.
5. Select the element with the smallest difference as the answer. This element is the nonmetallic element in period 3 with an atomic mass closest to 32.