Which of the following is a way the periodic table helps you find information about a specific element?

• A. By listing only the element's melting and boiling points.
• B. By showing the element's chemical reactions with all other elements.
• C. By providing the element's symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass.
• D. By displaying only the element's electron configuration.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the periodic table is a tool that organizes elements based on their atomic structure and properties.
2. Recognize that each element's box in the periodic table typically includes the element's symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass, which are fundamental identifiers.
3. Note that the periodic table does not list detailed melting and boiling points or all chemical reactions for each element; these are found in more specialized references.
4. Understand that while electron configuration can be inferred from an element's position, the periodic table itself primarily provides the symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass directly.
5. Conclude that the periodic table helps you find information about an element mainly by providing its symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass.