<span>The biogeochemical cycle that has the least activity because its essential element is mostly stored in rock is the phosphorus cycle. Phosphorus, unlike the other essential elements, is commonly found as a solid. This is why the atmosphere does not play a role in this cycle. Instead, phosphorus remains on land, and is mostly found in rocks and minerals.</span>
<u>Answer: </u>The correct statement is X is the effective nuclear charge, and it increases across a period.
<u>Explanation:</u>
We are given that:
X = number of protons − number of core electrons
Effective nuclear charge is defined as the actual nuclear charge (Z = number of protons) minus the screening effect caused by the electrons present between nucleus and valence electrons. These electrons are the core electrons.
The formula used for the calculation of effective nuclear charge given by Slater is:

where,
= effective nuclear charge
Z = atomic number or actual nuclear charge or number of protons
= Screening constant
The effective nuclear charge increases as we go from left to right in a period because nuclear charge increases with no effective increase in screening constant.
Hence, the correct answer is X is the effective nuclear charge, and it increases across a period.
Well, an element is a substance that cannot be decomposed into a simpler substance by chemical change, so element is the answer you are probably looking for! Hope this helps!