There are several factors that contribute to the difficulty in understanding the position of an element in the periodic table. These factors include:1. Atomic number: The atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, determines the position of an element in the periodic table. Elements are arranged in increasing order of their atomic numbers. For someone new to chemistry, understanding the concept of atomic numbers and their significance can be challenging.2. Periods and groups: The periodic table is organized into periods horizontal rows and groups vertical columns . Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells, while elements in the same group have similar electron configurations and chemical properties. Grasping the concepts of periods and groups and their implications on the properties of elements can be difficult for some learners.3. Electron configuration: The arrangement of electrons in an atom plays a crucial role in determining the position of an element in the periodic table. Understanding the rules governing electron configuration, such as the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule, can be complex and may pose a challenge for some students.4. Trends in the periodic table: There are several trends in the periodic table, such as atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity. These trends help predict the properties of elements and their reactivity. However, understanding these trends and their exceptions can be difficult for some learners.5. Chemical properties: Elements in the periodic table exhibit a wide range of chemical properties, such as reactivity, oxidation states, and types of chemical bonds they form. Understanding these properties and their relationship with the position of an element in the periodic table can be challenging.6. Memorization: The periodic table consists of 118 elements, each with its unique symbol, atomic number, and properties. Memorizing these elements and their positions in the periodic table can be a daunting task for some students.7. Language barriers: The periodic table uses specific terminology and symbols that may be unfamiliar to some learners, especially those whose first language is not English. This can make understanding the position of an element in the periodic table more difficult.8. Visual representation: The periodic table is a visual representation of the elements and their relationships. Some learners may struggle with interpreting and understanding visual information, which can make it harder for them to grasp the position of an element in the periodic table.