Question
A teacher asks students to use a model to show how electrons are arranged in an atom. One student places all electrons in the nucleus with the protons. Why is this model inaccurate?
(10 Points)
Electrons are negatively charged and cannot occupy the same space as positively charged protons
Electrons are heavier than protons and would crush the nucleus
Protons repel electrons into the nucleus
Neutrons prevent electrons from entering the nucleus
(10 Points)
Electrons are negatively charged and cannot occupy the same space as positively charged protons
Electrons are heavier than protons and would crush the nucleus
Protons repel electrons into the nucleus
Neutrons prevent electrons from entering the nucleus
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The model is inaccurate because **electrons are negatively charged and cannot occupy the same space as positively charged protons.** In reality, electrons exist in specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus, rather than being located within the nucleus itself. If electrons were to be placed in the nucleus, they would not be able to exist there due to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and electrostatic forces.