Final answer:
Electrons are located in the area that surrounds the nucleus, described as 'orbitals' within an 'electron cloud', where the probability of finding an electron varies and is not at a fixed point.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best description of the location of an atom's electrons is A) In the area that surrounds the nucleus. Electrons occupy regions of space known as orbitals, which are around the nucleus, where they have a high probability of being found. The concept of an electron cloud best illustrates this, where the cloud's density indicates the probability of finding an electron: denser near the nucleus and less dense further away.
An atomic model shows protons and neutrons located within the nucleus and electrons in the space surrounding it. This space is not just empty but is more accurately described by the quantum mechanical model, with electrons behaving as quantum particles whose exact location cannot be pinned down at any given time.
Therefore, option B) 'In the nucleus' and option C) 'In both the nucleus and the electron cloud' are incorrect since electrons do not reside in the nucleus, but around it. Understanding the distribution of electrons helps us comprehend chemical bonding and reaction mechanisms.