Question

another way the periodic table is arranged is by family. families are determined based on the ________ of an element. options: atomic mass, characteristics, number of neutrons, name

Explanation:

In the periodic table, families (or groups) of elements are determined by their similar chemical characteristics, which are related to the number of valence electrons. Atomic mass is related to the arrangement by periods (rows) in terms of increasing atomic mass historically, number of neutrons varies within isotopes of an element and isn't the basis for family, and the name of an element doesn't determine its family. So the correct option is the one related to characteristics.

Answer:

B. characteristics