In the plum pudding model of the atom, which statement best describes the distribution of electrons?

• A. Electrons are concentrated in a small, dense nucleus at the center of the atom.
• B. Electrons are embedded within a positively charged 'pudding' that makes up most of the atom's volume.
• C. Electrons are located in discrete energy levels outside a central nucleus.
• D. Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed paths, similar to planets around the sun.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context: The plum pudding model was an early atomic model proposed by J.J. Thomson before the discovery of the nucleus.
2. Recall the key idea of the plum pudding model: It suggested that the atom is composed of a positively charged 'pudding' or sphere, with negatively charged electrons embedded within it.
3. Contrast this with later models: Unlike the plum pudding model, later models (like Rutherford's and Bohr's) introduced a small, dense nucleus and electrons in discrete orbits or energy levels.
4. Identify the correct description: In the plum pudding model, electrons are not orbiting or concentrated in a nucleus but are spread throughout the positively charged volume.
5. Summarize the distribution: Therefore, the electrons are embedded within a positively charged 'pudding' that occupies most of the atom's volume.