Chapter 6.1, Problem 8LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To understand why the atomic number is better than atomic mass for organizing elements in the periodic table.

Concept Introduction :

The periodic table is a columnar structure that organizes different elements into groups based on how they behave.The elements in the periodic table of today are ordered according to the periodic law.The elements are organized in the modern periodic table in increasing order of their atomic number.

Answer to Problem 8LC

The atomic number is unique for every element.

Explanation of Solution

Henry Moseley put forth the modern periodic law in 1913. The physical and chemical characteristics of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers, according to the modern periodic law. Thus, the elements are organized in the modern periodic table in increasing order of their atomic number.

Elements are identified by their atomic number. For every element, it will always be the same. The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of its isotope masses. Thus, two different elements cannot have the same atomic number.

Conclusion

So, atomic number is a characteristic property of any element.