Which of the following best describes how elements are organized in the periodic table?

• A. By increasing atomic number and recurring chemical properties
• B. By increasing atomic mass only
• C. By alphabetical order of element names
• D. By the number of neutrons in the nucleus

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic structure and properties.
2. Recall that the atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, which uniquely identifies each element.
3. Recognize that elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, not atomic mass, because atomic number determines the element's identity and properties.
4. Note that the periodic table also groups elements with similar chemical properties into columns (groups or families), showing recurring patterns or periodicity.
5. Conclude that the best description of the organization of elements in the periodic table is by increasing atomic number and recurring chemical properties.