What is a period number?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition or explanation of what a period number is, likely in the context of the periodic table of elements or some other classification where periods are used.
Answer
A period number signifies the highest energy level an electron occupies.
The final answer is that a period number in the periodic table signifies the highest energy level an electron in that element occupies (in the unexcited state).
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that a period number in the periodic table signifies the highest energy level an electron in that element occupies (in the unexcited state).
More Information
Period numbers are critical for understanding the arrangement of electrons within an atom, impacting the chemical behavior of the element.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing periods with groups. Periods are horizontal rows, while groups are vertical columns in the periodic table.
Sources
- What is a period number on the periodic table? - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- 6.4: Modern Periodic Table - Periods and Groups - LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- What is a period number on the periodic table? - EIA Kids - eia.gov
