Question

Which of the following statements does not describe the structure of an atom?

Option 1: An atom has a small, dense center called the nucleus.
Option 2: Inside the nucleus of an atom are protons and electrons.
Option 3: Protons are positively charged sub-atomic particles.
Option 4: Electrons are negatively charged sub-atomic particles.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement about atom structure is that electrons are found inside the nucleus; they actually orbit the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons. Correct option is 2)

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that does not describe the structure of an atom is Option 2: Inside the nucleus of an atom are protons and electrons. In fact, the nucleus of an atom consists of protons, which are positively charged sub-atomic particles, and neutrons, which have no electric charge. Electrons, which are negatively charged sub-atomic particles, are found in orbitals surrounding the nucleus.

Ernest Rutherford's experiments in the 1910's led to the nuclear model of the atom, which has the protons and neutrons located in the central nucleus. The electrons orbit this nucleus at a considerable distance relative to the size of the nucleus itself. This arrangement ensures that almost all of the mass of the atom is contained within the nucleus due to the mass of protons and neutrons, with the electrons contributing minimally to the atom's mass.