The elements on the periodic table are arranged in order of increasing
(1) atomic mass
(2) atomic number
(3) first ionization energy
(4) selected oxidation state

The elements on the Periodic Table are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The correct option among all the options that are given in the question is option "2". The Periodic Table is created in such a manner that the elements having similar properties are always in the same column. The elements that have the same number of electron shells are always arranged in the same row. The table is written in a perfect structural manner for everybody to understand.

The answer is c - the principal of original lateral continuity.