The element $X$ has the following electron configuration $2, 8, 8, 2$. It means that it belongs to:

Taking the example of an element of atomic number $16$, explain how the electronic configuration of the atom of an element relates to its position in the modern periodic table and how valency of an element is calculated on the basis of its atomic number.

$(i)$ The elements of the second period along with their atomic numbers in parentheses are given below: $B(5)$,$Be(4)$,$O(8)$,$N(7)$,$Li(3)$,$C(6)$,$F(9)$.
$(a)$ Arrange them in the same order as they appear in the periodic table.
$(b)$ Which element has the largest and smallest atom?
$(ii)$ Why does the atomic radius change as we move from left to right in a period?

Elements have been arranged in the following sequence on the basis of their increasing atomic masses.
$F, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K$
$(a)$ Pick two sets of elements which have similar properties.
$(b)$ The given sequence represents which law of classification of elements?

Why does the basic character decrease along a period? Give reasons.

It was assumed by Newlands that only :