Which statement correctly describes the structure of an atom?

• A. An atom consists of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.
• B. An atom is made up of only electrons and protons, with no neutrons present.
• C. Electrons are located inside the nucleus along with protons and neutrons.
• D. Protons and electrons are both found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of an atom: it consists of a central nucleus and electrons surrounding it.
2. Understand that the nucleus contains protons, which are positively charged, and neutrons, which have no charge, making the nucleus dense and massive compared to the rest of the atom.
3. Recognize that electrons are negatively charged particles that occupy regions called orbitals or the electron cloud around the nucleus, not inside the nucleus itself.
4. Eliminate incorrect statements by checking if they contradict these facts, such as electrons being inside the nucleus or the absence of neutrons.
5. Conclude that the correct description is: an atom consists of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.