Question

an atom has at least one positive proton and at least one negative electron. which of the following is true about the protons and electrons in an atom? a. protons and electrons are mixed together in a cloud. b. protons and electrons are stuck together in neutral pairs. c. protons and electrons orbit close together around a central nucleus. d. protons and electrons are far apart with empty space in between.

Explanation:

In an atom, protons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in electron - shells. There is a significant amount of empty space between the nucleus (where protons are) and the electrons. Option A is incorrect as protons are in the nucleus and electrons are in orbitals, not mixed in a cloud. Option B is wrong because protons and electrons are not stuck together in neutral pairs; they have different locations within the atom. Option C is incorrect as protons are in the nucleus and do not orbit around it.

Answer:

D. Protons and electrons are far apart with empty space in between.