Question
While looking at xenon \( (\mathrm{Xe}) \) 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
Ask by Bernard Little. in the United States
Mar 01,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The student should look directly up to find an element with a smaller atomic mass in the same group as xenon.
Solution
Xenon is in the noble gases group (group 18 in the periodic table). Within a group, as you move upward, the atomic numbers (and generally the atomic masses) decrease because the elements are in lower periods with fewer electron shells. Therefore, if a student needs an element in the same group as xenon with a smaller atomic mass, they should look directly up.
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Simplify this solution The Deep Dive
To find an element with a smaller atomic mass in the same group as xenon (\( \mathrm{Xe} \)), the student should look directly up the periodic table. Since xenon is in Group 18 (the noble gases), the element directly above it is krypton (\( \mathrm{Kr} \)), which has a lower atomic mass than xenon. The atomic mass of elements generally decreases as you move up a group on the periodic table. This pattern occurs because elements higher up have fewer protons and neutrons, resulting in a smaller atomic mass. So, krypton is the student’s best bet!
