Question

which of the following is true when discussing the structure of the atom: *
the nucleus is large and empty compared to the rest of the atom
the nucleus is very small and tightly/densely packed with protons and neutrons
the electron cloud is very empty and only has a few neutrons in it

Explanation:

• The nucleus is a very small part of the atom (about \(10^{-15}\) to \(10^{-14}\) meters in radius for a typical atom), but it contains protons and neutrons which are tightly packed. Protons have a positive charge and neutrons are neutral. The mass of the atom is mostly concentrated in the nucleus.
• The first option is wrong because the nucleus is small, not large.
• The third option is wrong because the electron - cloud contains electrons (negatively charged particles), not neutrons. Neutrons are in the nucleus.

Answer:

The nucleus is very small and tightly/densely packed with protons and neutrons.