why is the modern periodic table based on proton numbers?

Answer 1

when it was first developed, this is how it was arranged, in order of increasing atomic numbers. it helped scientists predict the unknown substances at the time. proton numbers of elements never change, as neutrons (isotopes) and electrons (ions) an change. when it was arranged like this, they found out the striking similarities in the families (vertical columns of the table) and have been using it ever since.

Answer 2

Because it is the number of protons that define the elements. If they used neutrons, then hydrogen would not be in the table (it has none), and if they used electrons there would be zillions of them, when you account for ions.

Chemists have long noted that, at least in part, elements below and to the right of other elements have as much or more in common than adjacent elements (left or right, above or below).

There is a new system that is spiral in nature that seems to place such elements that have similar chemistries adjacent to one another, but the elements are still based on the number of protons in their nucleus.

Answer 3

When it was arranged by RAM (relative atomic mass) there were discrepancies with the properties (ie K is not a noble gas and Ar is not an alkali metal)

Also there are isotopes of elements which all have different masses. Each element may only have 1 atomic number

Answer 4

First time Mendeleef arranged the elements in the form of periodic table.This arrangement not only helped in the detailed study of the properties of elements but also predicted the discovery of the some new elements....

Answer 5

Dmitri Mendelev was trying to design it, he couldn't do it and the proton number model came to him in a dream that night. it is TRUE.

Answer 6

Its not "based" that way it is just ordered by atomic weight so it looks that way.

xxR