The factor that affects how easily an electron can be removed from an atom is the
ionization potential.
I may have misinterpreted the question. The "factors" are how much positive charge is on the nucleus AND how far the electron is away from the nucleus. The ionization potential reflects how easily an electron is removed.
The factor that affects how easily an electron can be removed from an atom is the
A. structure of the atom.
B. size of the atom.
C. temperature of the environment.
D. surrounding atoms.
The factor that affects how easily an electron can be removed from an atom is the electron's energy level or orbital. To understand why, we need to look at the atomic structure.
In an atom, electrons are organized into different energy levels or shells, which are represented by different quantum numbers (n = 1, 2, 3, etc.). Each energy level can hold a specific number of electrons.
The electrons in the outermost energy level, known as the valence electrons, are the ones that are most easily removed from an atom. The number of valence electrons determines the atom's chemical properties, including its ability to react and form bonds with other atoms.
Atoms with a greater number of valence electrons tend to be more reactive and readily lose their electrons to form positive ions. On the other hand, atoms with fewer valence electrons are less reactive and are more likely to gain electrons to form negative ions.
Therefore, the factor that affects how easily an electron can be removed from an atom is the number of valence electrons. The fewer valence electrons an atom has, the easier it is for an electron to be removed.