Question

Which statement correctly describes the location and charge of electrons in an atom?

A. The electrons are inside the nucleus and have no charge.
B. The electrons are outside the nucleus and have no charge.
C. The electrons are inside the nucleus and have a negative charge.
D. The electrons are outside the nucleus and have a negative charge.

Answer 1

The electrons are located outside the nucleus and carry a negative charge in an atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that describes the location and charge of electrons in an atom is option D. The electrons are located outside the nucleus and carry a negative charge. Unlike protons and neutrons which are found inside the nucleus, electrons are distributed in a diffuse cloud surrounding the nucleus. This electron cloud is negatively charged and balances the positive charge of the protons in the nucleus, resulting in a neutral atom.