The model shows the first three periods of the Periodic Table. Which statement BEST describes the trend in the number of protons and valence electrons across a period?
A. Across a period, elements gain a proton and lose a valence electron.
B. Across a period, elements gain a proton and gain a valence electron.
C. Across a period, elements lose a proton and gain a valence electron.
D. Across a period, elements lose a proton and lose a valence electron.
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