16
QuizMultiple Choice

Nonmetals — Unit test

Question 16 • GA-GSE Physical Science A

Which best explains why ionization energy tends to decrease from the top to the bottom of a group?

Answer
A
The number of orbitals decreases.
B
The number of neutrons decreases.
C
Electrons get closer to the nucleus.
D
Electrons get farther from the nucleus.

Explanation

Moving down a group adds electron shells, so the outermost electrons are farther from the nucleus. The greater distance weakens the nucleus’s attraction to those electrons, making them easier to remove and lowering ionization energy. Therefore, “Electrons get farther from the nucleus” is the best explanation.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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