Question

the element phosphorus is located to the right of the element magnesium along the same period in the periodic table. which best describes the relationship of the elements?
○ magnesium has a larger atomic number.
○ phosphorus has a larger atomic mass.
○ magnesium is in the same category as phosphorus.
○ phosphorus has similar chemical properties as magnesium.

Explanation:

1. Recall the periodic table: Magnesium (Mg) has atomic number 12, Phosphorus (P) has atomic number 15. Moving right in a period, atomic number increases.
2. Analyze each option:

• Option 1: Magnesium (12) < Phosphorus (15), so P has larger atomic number, not Mg. Incorrect.
• Option 2: Atomic mass of Mg is ~24.31, P is ~30.97. So P has larger atomic mass. Correct.
• Option 3: Mg is a metal (alkaline earth), P is a non - metal (pnictogen). Different categories. Incorrect.
• Option 4: Chemical properties depend on valence electrons. Mg (2 valence e⁻) and P (5 valence e⁻) have different properties. Incorrect.

Answer:

Phosphorus has a larger atomic mass.