In which parts of an atom are electrons, protons, and neutrons primarily located?

• A. Protons are in the electron cloud; electrons and neutrons are in the nucleus.
• B. All three particles are found only in the nucleus.
• C. Electrons are in the nucleus; protons and neutrons are in the electron cloud.
• D. Electrons are in the electron cloud; protons and neutrons are in the nucleus.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of an atom, which consists of a nucleus and an electron cloud surrounding it.
2. Understand that the nucleus is the dense central part of the atom where protons and neutrons are located.
3. Recognize that electrons are much lighter and move around the nucleus in regions called the electron cloud.
4. Note that protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons carry a negative charge, which influences their positions within the atom.
5. Conclude that electrons are found in the electron cloud, while protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus.