Question

which statement describes an atomic nucleus?
○ an atomic nucleus is negatively charged.
○ an atomic nucleus has no electrical charge.
○ an atomic nucleus consists of mostly empty space.
○ an atomic nucleus contains most of the atoms mass.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about the atomic nucleus, we analyze each option:

• An atomic nucleus is made of protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge), so it is positively charged, eliminating the first two options.
• The nucleus is a dense region; the "mostly empty space" describes the atom's overall structure (electrons in orbitals), not the nucleus.
• The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which have most of the atom’s mass (electrons have negligible mass), so this statement is correct.

Answer:

D. An atomic nucleus contains most of the atom's mass.