Question

while looking at xenon (xe) on the periodic table, a student needs to find an element with a smaller atomic mass in the same group. where should the student look?
○ directly up
○ directly down
○ directly to the left
○ directly to the right

Explanation:

In the periodic table, elements in the same group are arranged vertically. Atomic mass generally increases as you go down a group (due to adding electron shells and more protons/neutrons). So, to find an element in the same group as xenon (Xe) with a smaller atomic mass, you look directly up (toward the top of the group, where elements have fewer electron shells and lower atomic mass). Looking left/right is across a period, not the same group. Looking down would give a larger atomic mass.

Answer:

A. directly up