Question

A student builds a model of an atom using beads to represent protons, neutrons, and electrons. The student uses wires to represent the paths of

the electrons.
Student's model
= proton
= neutron
= electron
What is one way the structure of a real atom is different from the student's model?
A. Real electrons are closer to the nucleus.
OB. Real electrons follow one path around the nucleus.
O C. Real protons and neutrons are smaller than the electrons.
O D. Real electrons follow three-dimensional paths around the nucleus.

Answer 1

Real electrons follow three-dimensional paths around the nucleus in specific energy levels called orbitals, which is different from the student's model where electrons are depicted following a single path around the nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is D: Real electrons follow three-dimensional paths around the nucleus.

In the student's model, the wires represent the paths of electrons, suggesting that electrons follow a single path around the nucleus. However, in reality, electrons follow three-dimensional paths around the nucleus in specific energy levels called orbitals.

This difference between the student's model and the actual structure of an atom is essential to understand when studying atomic structure.

Learn more about structure of an atom