. Which of the following factors contributes to the increase in lonization energy from left to right across a period? an increase in the size of the nucleus

an increase in the shielding effect

fewer electrons in the highest occupied
energy level

an increase in the number of protons​

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Answer is D

Explanation:

an increase in the number of protons

"among the transition metal elements, manganese and zinc have a slight lowering of electronegativities. the reason behind this is that the nuclear charges of these elements are slightly weaker than the other transition metal elements due to the way their valence electrons are filled up. both manganese and zinc have their valence electrons filled up to the 4th shell with 1 pair of electrons (4s2) completely occupying it. although the electrons in the 3rd shell (3d) are yet to be paired since the outer most shell is filled up, the ability of the nucleus to attract electrons is lessened. hence,   the electronegativity (or the ability to attract electrons) is lessened."