Which statement correctly describes the nucleus of the atom?

• A. The nucleus contains only electrons and is negatively charged.
• B. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons and is positively charged.
• C. The nucleus occupies most of the atom's volume.
• D. The nucleus is where chemical bonding occurs.

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 two types of subatomic particles: protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which have no charge (neutral).
3. Recognize that electrons, which are negatively charged, are located outside the nucleus, not inside it.
4. Note that the nucleus is very small compared to the overall size of the atom, so it does not occupy most of the atom's volume; instead, it contains most of the atom's mass.
5. Remember that chemical bonding involves the interaction of electrons in the outer regions of atoms, not the nucleus.