Question

1. what keeps electrons near the nucleus of an atom?

a. gravity
b. magnetic fields from neutrons
c. attraction between positive protons and negative electrons
d. the mass of the electron

Explanation:

To determine what keeps electrons near the nucleus, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Gravity is extremely weak at atomic scales and not the force holding electrons to the nucleus.
• Option B: Neutrons have no net charge, so they don't produce magnetic fields that would attract electrons.
• Option C: The nucleus contains positively charged protons, and electrons are negatively charged. Opposite charges attract, so the electrostatic attraction between protons (positive) and electrons (negative) keeps electrons near the nucleus.
• Option D: The mass of an electron is very small and does not contribute to keeping it near the nucleus; mass - related forces (gravity) are negligible here.

Answer:

C. Attraction between positive protons and negative electrons