The nucleus of an atom has all of the following characteristics except that it:

• A. is much smaller than the overall atom
• B. contains protons and neutrons
• C. is positively charged
• D. occupies most of the atom's volume

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of an atom: it consists of a nucleus at the center and electrons surrounding it in a cloud.
2. Recall that the nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which contribute most of the atom's mass.
3. Recognize that protons are positively charged, so the nucleus overall has a positive charge.
4. Know that the nucleus is extremely small compared to the entire atom, which is mostly empty space occupied by the electron cloud.
5. Conclude that the statement 'occupies most of the atom's volume' is incorrect because the nucleus occupies only a tiny fraction of the atom's volume.