How are the elements arranged on the periodic table?

• A. By alphabetical order of element names
• B. By increasing atomic number
• C. By increasing atomic mass
• D. By decreasing number of neutrons

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the periodic table is organized based on a fundamental property of elements called the atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
2. Recognize that arranging elements by increasing atomic number means placing them in order from the element with the smallest number of protons to the one with the largest.
3. Know that this arrangement reflects the periodic law, which states that the properties of elements repeat periodically when elements are ordered by increasing atomic number.
4. Note that arranging by atomic mass or alphabetical order does not correctly reflect the periodic trends and chemical properties of elements.
5. Therefore, the correct way elements are arranged on the periodic table is by increasing atomic number.