Main Answer:
c) The placement of elements on the periodic table reveals the link between the atomic structure of elements and their reactivity.
Therefore, the correct answer is c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The positioning of elements on the periodic table is a strategic arrangement that elucidates the connection between the atomic structure of elements and their reactivity. In this context, reactivity refers to how readily an element engages in chemical reactions. The atomic structure, including the number of electrons in the outermost shell, determines the chemical behavior of an element. Elements within the same column, known as a group, share similar chemical properties due to their identical valence electron configuration. This uniformity in valence electron structure explains why elements in a group exhibit comparable reactivity.
Furthermore, the periodic table's horizontal rows, or periods, signify the gradual change in atomic structure across the table. Moving from left to right across a period, the atomic number increases, leading to changes in electron configuration and, consequently, variations in reactivity. Elements on the left side of the periodic table, such as alkali metals, are highly reactive because they possess one valence electron that they readily donate. In contrast, elements on the right side, like noble gases, exhibit low reactivity as their outer electron shells are already stable.
In summary, the periodic table's organization underscores the intrinsic relationship between an element's atomic structure and its reactivity, providing a systematic framework to understand and predict chemical behaviors.
Therefore, the correct answer is c).