Where are the electrons located in an atom?

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

Answer: (A)

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 are distributed around it.
3. Learn the concept of the electron cloud, which is a region around the nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found, rather than fixed paths or orbits.
4. Recognize that the electron cloud model replaces older models that suggested electrons move in fixed orbits; instead, electrons exist in probabilistic regions around the nucleus.
5. Conclude that electrons are located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, not inside or attached to the nucleus.