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. In the periodic table, elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number from left - to - right across a period. Phosphorus (P) has an atomic number of 15 and magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12, so magnesium does not have a larger atomic number.
2. As we move from left to right across a period, atomic mass generally increases. Phosphorus has a larger atomic mass than magnesium.
3. Magnesium is an alkaline - earth metal and phosphorus is a non - metal, so they are not in the same category.
4. Elements in the same group have similar chemical properties. Magnesium is in Group 2 and phosphorus is in Group 15, so they do not have similar chemical properties.

Answer:

Phosphorus has a larger atomic mass.