Question:

Which of the following statements correctly describes the atomic structure of an atom?

A) Protons are located in the nucleus and have a positive charge.

B) Electrons are located in the nucleus and have a neutral charge.

C) Neutrons are located outside the nucleus and have a negative charge.

D) Electrons have a higher mass compared to protons and neutrons.

Answer:

The correct answer is A) Protons are located in the nucleus and have a positive charge.

The atomic structure consists of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Protons: These positively charged particles are located in the nucleus of an atom. They have a relative mass of approximately 1 amu (atomic mass unit) and carry a charge of +1 elementary charge.

• Neutrons: These particles are located in the nucleus and have a neutral charge. Neutrons have a relative mass of approximately 1 amu, similar to protons.

• Electrons: These negatively charged particles are found outside the nucleus in the electron cloud or energy levels. They have a negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons, about 1/1836 amu, and carry a charge of -1 elementary charge.

Therefore, option A is the correct statement that describes the atomic structure.