Which statement best describes an atomic nucleus?

• A. It is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• B. It contains protons and neutrons and is positively charged.
• C. It contains only electrons and is negatively charged.
• D. It is located outside the center of the atom.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of an atom: it consists of a nucleus at the center and electrons surrounding it in orbitals.
2. Understand that the nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are collectively called nucleons.
3. Remember that protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral (no charge), and electrons carry a negative charge.
4. Since the nucleus contains protons and neutrons only, and protons are positively charged, the nucleus itself is positively charged overall.
5. Note that electrons are located outside the nucleus, so the nucleus does not contain electrons and is located at the center of the atom.