Which of the following best describes the interaction between the nucleus of an atom and its own electrons?

• A. The nucleus has no effect on the electrons.
• B. The nucleus attracts the electrons due to electrostatic forces.
• C. The nucleus repels the electrons because they have opposite charges.
• D. The nucleus causes the electrons to gain energy and move away.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the nucleus of an atom contains positively charged protons, while electrons carry a negative charge.
2. Understand that opposite charges attract each other according to Coulomb's law, which describes the electrostatic force between charged particles.
3. Recognize that the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons is what holds the electrons in orbit around the nucleus.
4. Note that the nucleus does not repel electrons because repulsion occurs between like charges, and the nucleus and electrons have opposite charges.
5. Conclude that the best description of the interaction is that the nucleus attracts the electrons due to electrostatic forces.