Question
The statements below are all about the nucleus of an atom. Identify which one of the following statement is false. Nearly all the mass of an atom is found in the nucleus. The nucleus contains the electrons and protons. The nucleus is found in the middle of an atom. The nucleus has an overall positive charge.
Answer
4.2
(227 Votes)
Emily
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
B
Explanation
All of these choices are descriptions of a nucleus in an atom, which is a key concept in physics. In order to identify the false statement, it may help to dissect each of these statements one by one and compare them to what we know to be true about atomic structure.1. "Nearly all the mass of an atom is found in the nucleus." This statement is indeed true; we understand that the majority of an atom's mass is wrapped up in the nucleus as it includes protons and neutrons which have significant mass compared to electrons.2. "The nucleus contains electrons and protons." This statement is false. The nucleus of an atom only contains protons and neutrons. Electrons actually exist in the electron cloud, which occupies a larger volume around the nucleus.3. "The nucleus is found in the middle of an atom." This statement is true as well. Generally speaking, the nucleus is found at the center of an atom.4. "The nucleus has an overall positive charge." Observably true again; the nucleus includes protons (each carrying a positive electric charge), whereas the electrons providing the negative charge are found in the electron cloud around the nucleus, granting the nucleus an overall positive charge.