Answer: the average of the other two elements.
- A the average of the other two elements
- B the sum of the other two elements
- C twice that of the lightest element
- D half that of the heaviest element
Correct answer: A. the average of the other two elements
Explanation: In a Dobereiner triad of three elements with similar properties, the atomic mass of the middle element is roughly the arithmetic mean of the other two.
The complete modern periodic table (118 elements). Image: Cepheus et al., Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
The periodic table organises all 118 elements by atomic number and similar properties. Study periodic trends like atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity, and learn how an element's position predicts its behaviour.
Read the full Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties notes →