Based on the periodic table, which statement correctly compares mercury and tin?

• A. Atomic mass cannot be compared using the periodic table.
• B. Mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) have the same atomic mass.
• C. Mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn).
• D. Tin (Sn) has a greater atomic mass than mercury (Hg).

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the positions of mercury (Hg) and tin (Sn) on the periodic table. Mercury is in group 12 and period 6, while tin is in group 14 and period 5.
2. Recall that atomic mass generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table because elements have more protons and neutrons in their nuclei.
3. Since mercury is below tin in the periodic table (period 6 vs. period 5), mercury is expected to have a higher atomic mass than tin.
4. Verify the atomic masses by checking the periodic table values: atomic mass of mercury (Hg) is approximately 200.59 u, and atomic mass of tin (Sn) is approximately 118.71 u.
5. Conclude that mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn), making the statement 'Mercury (Hg) has a greater atomic mass than tin (Sn)' correct.