Question

the scattering of a stream of positively charged particles when striking a thin film of gold confirms that the positive charge in an atom must be located in a dense central mass. atoms contain electrons in varying energy layers around the nucleus. electrons are found in the center of an atom. electrons can only be found within predicted areas surrounding the nucleus.

Explanation:

The Rutherford gold - foil experiment involved the scattering of alpha particles (positively charged) on a gold foil. The fact that some particles were deflected at large angles or even backscattered led Rutherford to conclude that the positive charge in an atom is concentrated in a small, dense central mass (the nucleus). The other options are not related to the key conclusion of this experiment.

Answer:

The positive charge in an atom must be located in a dense central mass.