Which of the following statements best describes the periodic table of elements?

The periodic table of elements is best described as a chart that showcases the elements and the repeating patterns in their properties. The organization of the table is not solely based on mass or only on the presence of metals. Instead, it reveals how elements relate to one another through their atomic structure and periodicity of their chemical and physical properties.

For instance, elements are arranged in rows and columns in such a way that those with similar properties are grouped together, highlighting trends such as electronegativity, atomic radius, and ionization energy. This systematic arrangement allows chemists to predict the behavior of elements based on their position in the periodic table, making it an essential tool in understanding chemical relationships and reactions. The periodicity evident in the chart underlines the importance of both atomic number and electron configuration in determining an element's characteristics.