Draw the cation products of the fragmentations that account for the peaks in n-octane: 85, 71, 57. Draw the molecules on the canvas by choosing buttons from the Tools (for bonds and charges), Atoms, and Templates toolbars.

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.

a is the correct answer