Part (a):
Chalk has the chemical formula: CaCo₃
From the periodic table:
mass of Ca = 40 grams
mass of Co = 58.9 grams
Therefore:
molecular weight of chalk = 40 + 3(58.9) = 216.7 grams
Part (b):
Advantages of Mandeleev's periodic table:
1- Could predict the properties of elements easily based on its position in the periodic table
2- Elements were arranged systematically in order of increasing atomic mass which helped in the study and classification of elements
3- Even after the discovery of noble gases, no major changes needed to be done to the periodic table. Noble gases were inserted easily
4- He left room for other undiscovered elements based on his systematic approach in writing the table
Hope this helps :)