Question

Why is

helium number 2 (the second element)
and beryllium number 4 (the fourth
element) on the periodic table ?

Answer 1

See note in Explanation

Explanation:

The modern periodic table of the elements is arranged in order of increasing atomic numbers which is also in terms of the number of protons in the nucleus. That is, for any element listed on the periodic table its atomic number equals the number of protons in the nucleus. Thus, the element with 2 protons in its nucleus would be element #2 (Helium), element #3 (Lithium) has 3 protons in its nucleus and element #4 (Beryllium) has an atomic number 4 and contains 4 protons in its nucleus.

Also, this arrangement of elements finds that elements below elements 2, 3 & 4, Neon #10; sodium #11 & magnesium #12 have similar chemical and physical properties as does elements #2, #3 & #4. Such gives rise to the 'Periodic Law' => the chemical and physical properties of the elements is a periodic function of their atomic number (or, number of protons in the nucleus).