Question

atomic structure - show what you know
which of the following statements about electrons is correct?
○ they have a mass of 1 amu.
○ they are neutral.
○ they are located in the nucleus.
○ they are negatively charged and dictate chemical properties.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Electrons have a negligible mass (much less than 1 amu), protons and neutrons have ~1 amu. So this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Electrons have a negative charge, neutrons are neutral. So this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Electrons are located in electron clouds (orbitals) around the nucleus, protons and neutrons are in the nucleus. So this is incorrect.
• Option 4: Electrons are negatively charged, and the arrangement of electrons (valence electrons) determines chemical properties (how atoms bond/react). This is correct.

Answer:

D. They are negatively charged and dictate chemical properties (assuming the last option is D; if options are labeled differently, adjust the label but the statement is "They are negatively charged and dictate chemical properties").