Which describes the earth’s inner core? a. a layer of hot rock b. a layer of rock that forms an outer skin c. a dense ball of solid metal d. a layer of molten metal

explanation:

i think option no d is the correct answer

since the atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, as we move to the left on the periodic table, the electrostatic pull between the nucleus and the valence electron shell decreases. as we move down a group (vertical column), the valence shell energy level gets further and further from the nucleus.