The periodic table is arranged by increasing which of the following properties?

• A. atomic mass
• B. ionic charge
• C. atomic number
• D. number of neutrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the periodic table is organized to reflect periodic trends and properties of elements.
2. Recall that early versions of the periodic table were arranged by increasing atomic mass, but this arrangement had inconsistencies.
3. Recognize that the modern periodic table is arranged by increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
4. Atomic number uniquely identifies each element and determines its chemical properties, making it the key organizing principle.
5. Therefore, the periodic table is arranged by increasing atomic number, not atomic mass, ionic charge, or number of neutrons.