Question

Which best explains why ionization energy tends to decrease from the top to the bottom of a group? The number of orbitals decreases. The number of neutrons decreases. Electrons get closer to the nucleus. Electrons get farther from the nucleus.

Answer 1

Answer:

Electrons get farther from the nucleus.

Explanation:

By going from the top to the bottom of a group, the atomic number increases. That would mean that:

• The number of orbitals increases, as there are more electrons.

• A higher atomic number implies an increasing number of neutrons.

• As there are more electrons, they get farther from the nucleus. The farther an electron is from the nucleus, the easier it is for the electron to be removed from the atom.