Question

What summarizes the relationship between proton count and the attractive force between protons and electrons?

A) An increase in the proton count leads to a decrease in the attractive force.
B) An increase in the proton count has no effect on the attractive force.
C) An increase in the proton count leads to a stronger attractive force.
D) A decrease in the proton count leads to a stronger attractive force.

Answer 1

An increase in proton count results in a stronger attractive force between protons and electrons, due to the greater positive charge of the nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between proton count and the attractive force between protons and electrons in an atom is such that an increase in proton count leads to a stronger attractive force. This is because the more protons there are in the nucleus, the greater the positive charge of the nucleus, and consequently, the stronger the electrostatic attraction for negatively charged electrons. This principle is fundamental in understanding the structure of the atom and how electrons interact with the nucleus.