Question

which explains the change in ionization energy that occurs between removing the first and second electrons from an atom?
the ionization energy decreases because the ratio of the protons to electrons increases.
the ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons increases.
the ionization energy decreases because the ratio of the protons to electrons decreases.
the ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons decreases.

Explanation:

When the first electron is removed from an atom, the atom becomes a positively - charged ion. The number of protons remains the same while the number of electrons decreases. This increases the ratio of protons to electrons. The remaining electrons are more strongly attracted to the nucleus. As a result, more energy is required to remove the second electron, so the ionization energy increases.

Answer:

The ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons increases.