Which phrase describes an atom?
(1) a negatively charged nucleus surrounded by positively charged protons
(2) a negatively charged nucleus surrounded by positively charged electrons
(3) a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged protons
(4) a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons

you need to take a look at the periodic system in order to sort these elements into pairs that would most likely exhibit similar chemical properties. first, you need to find elements that are found in the same group (groups are vertical in the periodic system), and then to see whether they have the same valence number. if they meet these criteria, they will have similar properties.

the first pair: ne (neon) and kr (krypton), are noble gases found in group 8

the second pair: li (lithium) and k (potassium), found in group 1

the third pair: s (sulfur) and te (tellurium), found in group 6

a 20-cm-long, cylindrical graphite (pure carbon) rod is inserted into an oxidizing atmosphere at 1145 k and 1.013 x 105 pa pressure. the oxidizing process is limited by the diffu- sion of oxygen counterflow to the carbon monoxide that is formed on the cylindrical surface.