Question

Which statement describes the distribution of charge in an atom? (1) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons. (2) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more positively charged electrons. (3) A neutral nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons. (4) A neutral nucleus is surrounded by one or more positively charged electrons.

Answer 1

In an atom, a positively charged nucleus made up of protons and neutrons is surrounded by negatively charged electrons. The correct description of atomic charge distribution is a positively charged nucleus with negatively charged electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distribution of charge in an atom is such that a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons. The nucleus is made up of protons, which have a positive electric charge, and neutrons, which have no charge. The electrons orbit this nucleus, filling the mostly empty space around it. In a neutral atom, the number of protons (positive charges) in the nucleus is balanced by the number of electrons (negative charges) orbiting it.

When comparing the given statements, the correct description of the distribution of charge in an atom is: (1) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons. This corresponds with atomic theory and our current understanding of atomic structure.

Answer 2

(1) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

An atom is the smallest indivisible part of an element which retains all the chemical properties of that element.

Atoms are usually made up of a nucleus which consists of positively charged proton(s) and neutral neutron(s) and surrounded by an equal amount of negatively charged electrons located at a distance, r called its atomic radius.

The number of positively charged protons equals the number of negatively charged electrons, thus making the atom electrically neutral.

So, the distribution of charge in an atom is thus one in which a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by one or more negatively charged electrons.