Where are protons, neutrons, and electrons located, and what are their charges?

• A. Protons (+) and neutrons (0) are in the nucleus; electrons (-) orbit around the nucleus.
• B. Protons in the nucleus; neutrons outside; electrons orbit; charges: +, 0, -.
• C. Protons and neutrons outside the nucleus; electrons in the nucleus.
• D. All three particles are in the nucleus.

Answer: (A)

Atoms have a tiny central nucleus that contains protons and neutrons, while electrons move around this nucleus in orbits or electron clouds. Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons carry a negative charge. This means the correct description is that protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, and electrons orbit around it, with charges + for protons, 0 for neutrons, and - for electrons. The other options place neutrons outside the nucleus or place all three particles in the nucleus, which doesn’t match how atoms are structured.