Question

in an elements square on the periodic table, the number with the greatest numerical value represents the
number of neutrons.
number of electrons.
atomic number.
atomic mass.

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the information in an element's square on the periodic table:

• Number of neutrons is calculated as atomic mass (rounded) minus atomic number, so it's not directly listed as a single number with the greatest value here.
• Number of electrons (in a neutral atom) equals atomic number, which is a smaller whole number.
• Atomic number is the number of protons, a whole number (e.g., 1 for H, 6 for C).
• Atomic mass is the average mass of the element's isotopes, usually a decimal number (e.g., 1.008 for H, 12.01 for C) and is generally larger than the atomic number (a whole number) and the number of electrons/neutrons (when compared in typical cases).

So the number with the greatest numerical value is the atomic mass.

Answer:

D. atomic mass