Which statement about atomic structure is accurate?

Which statement about atomic structure is accurate?

• A. Electrons are located inside the nucleus.
• B. The nucleus contains only neutrons.
• C. The electron cloud is the nucleus.
• D. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons; electrons occupy space around the nucleus.

Answer: (D)

In atoms, the nucleus is a tiny, dense cluster containing protons and neutrons, while electrons form an electron cloud around that nucleus. Protons are positively charged and neutrons are neutral, giving the nucleus its mass and positive charge that attract the negatively charged electrons into surrounding space. This arrangement means electrons occupy space around the nucleus rather than inside it, and the nucleus is not made up only of neutrons. The accurate description is that the nucleus contains protons and neutrons; electrons occupy space around the nucleus.

In atoms, the nucleus is a tiny, dense cluster containing protons and neutrons, while electrons form an electron cloud around that nucleus. Protons are positively charged and neutrons are neutral, giving the nucleus its mass and positive charge that attract the negatively charged electrons into surrounding space. This arrangement means electrons occupy space around the nucleus rather than inside it, and the nucleus is not made up only of neutrons. The accurate description is that the nucleus contains protons and neutrons; electrons occupy space around the nucleus.