In an atom, where are the electrons primarily located?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of an atom: it consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, and electrons that are found outside the nucleus.
2. Recall that electrons are negatively charged particles that do not reside inside the nucleus but instead exist in regions around the nucleus.
3. Learn the concept of the electron cloud, which is a probabilistic region around the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found, rather than fixed paths or orbits.
4. Recognize that electrons are not attached to the surface of the nucleus nor located inside it; they occupy the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.
5. Conclude that the correct description of electron location in an atom is within the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.