Question

1. the diameter of neutral atoms generally decreases going left to right across one period on the periodic table. what change causes this decrease in diameter of atoms? the number of outermost electrons increases. the number of outermost electrons decreases. the attractive force between the protons and electrons increases. the attractive force between the protons and neutrons increases.

Explanation:

As you move from left - to - right across a period on the periodic table, the number of protons in the nucleus increases. This leads to a greater positive charge in the nucleus. The electrons are in the same energy level (shell). The increased positive charge of the nucleus exerts a stronger attractive force on the electrons, pulling them closer to the nucleus and thus decreasing the atomic diameter.

Answer:

The attractive force between the protons and electrons increases.