Question

which sequence of atomic numbers represents elements which have similar chemical properties

Answer 1

A rule of thumb is that elements in the same column or "group" have similar chemical properties. Answer D. has four elements that are all in group 2, or the "alkaline earth metals". The answer is D. 4, 20, 38, 88

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Option 4.

Explanation:

Elements that belong to the same group have similar chemical properties because they have same number of valence electrons.

For the given options:

• Option 1: 19, 23, 30, 36

Element having atomic number 19 belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 23 belongs to Group 5 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 30 belongs to Group 12 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 36 belongs to Group 18 of the periodic table.

Thus, these elements will not show similar chemical properties.

• Option 2: 9, 16, 33, 50

Element having atomic number 9 belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 16 belongs to Group 16 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 33 belongs to Group 15 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 50 belongs to Group 14 of the periodic table.

Thus, these elements will not show similar chemical properties.

• Option 3: 3, 12, 33, 40

Element having atomic number 3 belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 12 belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 33 belongs to Group 15 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 40 belongs to Group 4 of the periodic table.

Thus, these elements will not show similar chemical properties.

• Option 4: 4, 20, 38, 88

Element having atomic number 4 belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 20 belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 38 belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.

Element having atomic number 88 belongs to Group 2 of the periodic table.

Thus, these elements will show similar chemical properties.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.