In an atom, where are the electrons most likely to be found?

• A. Attached to the protons within the nucleus
• B. In the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus
• C. Inside the nucleus with protons and neutrons
• D. In fixed orbits on the surface of the atom

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of an atom: it consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, and electrons that exist outside the nucleus.
2. Recall that electrons are negatively charged particles, and they are attracted to the positively charged protons in the nucleus, but they do not reside inside the nucleus.
3. Learn that electrons are found in regions called electron clouds or orbitals, which represent the areas where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
4. Recognize that electrons do not move in fixed orbits like planets around the sun; instead, their positions are described by quantum mechanical models that define these electron clouds.
5. Conclude that electrons are most likely to be found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, not attached to protons, inside the nucleus, or in fixed orbits on the atom's surface.