Which statement best explains why the atomic nucleus has a positive charge?

• A. The nucleus contains electrons, which are negatively charged.
• B. The nucleus contains only neutrons, which are neutral.
• C. The nucleus contains protons, which are positively charged, and neutrons, which are neutral.
• D. The nucleus contains protons and electrons, which balance each other's charges.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the composition of an atomic nucleus: it contains protons and neutrons.
2. Understand the charge of each particle: protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge (neutral), and electrons have a negative charge but are located outside the nucleus.
3. Since the nucleus contains protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral), the overall charge of the nucleus is positive due to the protons.
4. Electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit the nucleus and are not part of it, so they do not affect the nucleus's charge.
5. Therefore, the positive charge of the nucleus is explained by the presence of protons within it.