Question

which of the statements about the discovery of electrons is false?
because atoms are neutral, the existence of a negatively charged particle implied there must be a positively charged component of an atom.
rutherford proved the plum-pudding model correct.
the negatively charged electron is located outside the nucleus.
thomson proposed that electrons were small particles held within a positively charged sphere.
all of the above statements are true.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• First option: Atoms are neutral, so negative electrons imply positive components (true).
• Second option: Rutherford's gold - foil experiment disproved the plum - pudding model (proposed by Thomson), so this statement is false.
• Third option: Electrons are outside the nucleus (true, as per atomic structure).
• Fourth option: Thomson's plum - pudding model had electrons in a positive sphere (true).
• Fifth option: Since the second option is false, this is false too. But we need the false statement about electron discovery, and the second option is false.

Answer:

B. Rutherford proved the plum - pudding model correct.