Which of the following is a primary reason for the periodic trends observed in the periodic table? A) Atomic mass B) Atomic number C) Isotope abundance D) Neutron count
A is incorrect because although atomic mass typically gets higher when we ascend the periodic table, there are some exceptions, such as Tellurium and Iodine. Tellurium is actually heavier than iodine, but it is placed before it on the periodic table because iodine needs to be in the column with noble gases
B is correct because the periodic table is organized by atomic number, as atomic number increases in order as we go up any given row (horizontally) on the periodic table
C is incorrect because there is no indication of isotope abundance on the periodic table
D is incorrect because neutron count is similar to atomic mass, as neutrons dictate mass, which we have already seen to not always be consistent as organized in the periodic table
