Each element in a column of the periodic table
A) has a similar size.
B) has similar nuclear properties.
C) has a similar electronic configuration.
D) has a similar nuclear charge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elements in a column, also known as a group or family, have a similar electronic configuration. This is because they have the same number of valence electrons, which determine the chemical properties of an element. In contrast, the elements in a row, also known as a period, have increasing nuclear charge and a decreasing atomic radius. This is because the number of protons in the nucleus increases from left to right, leading to a greater attraction for the electrons in the outermost energy level and a smaller size of the atom. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Each Element in a Column of the Periodic Table