What law describes the systematic occurrence of physical and chemical properties of elements based on their atomic number?

The Periodic Law articulates the systematic and predictable relationship between the physical and chemical properties of elements as they are arranged by increasing atomic number. This law underscores the concept that when elements are ordered in this manner, they exhibit recurring properties at set intervals, which is the foundation for the organization of the periodic table. The arrangement not only reflects the elements’ atomic structure but also addresses trends such as electronegativity, ionization energy, and atomic radius.

While atomic theory pertains to the nature of atoms and their interactions, it does not specifically address the relationship among elements based on their atomic number. The Fundamental Law of Chemistry refers to principles that govern chemical reactions and conservation, but it does not specifically connect to properties of elements. Likewise, the Molecular Structure Principle focuses on the arrangement of atoms within molecules rather than the elemental properties that emerge from their organization in the periodic table. Thus, the Periodic Law is the most relevant descriptor of how the properties of elements correlate with their atomic numbers.