Question

Why was atomic mass considered most fundamental property in Mendeleev’s periodic table?

Answer 1

i. Mendeleev examined the relationship between atomic masses of elements and their physical and chemical properties. 

ii. By analyzing the compounds formed by the elements with oxygen and hydrogen, Mendeleev believed that atomic mass of element is the most fundamental property in classifying elements. 

iii. Thus, he arranged the elements in the increasing order of their atomic masses and found repetition in the properties of the elements after certain intervals.