A student makes a drawing of a carbon atom. Which of these should the student show in the nucleus of the atom?
Electrons and Protons
Atoms and Protons
Electrons and Neutrons
Protons and Neutrons
Protons and Neutrons
In the nucleus of a carbon atom, the student should show protons and neutrons.
To determine what should be shown in the nucleus of a carbon atom, we need to know the composition of a carbon atom. Carbon atoms consist of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Protons have a positive charge and are found in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons, as their name suggests, have no charge (they are neutral) and are also located in the nucleus. Electrons, on the other hand, have a negative charge and orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or electron shells.
Now, coming back to the question, the student should show protons and neutrons in the nucleus of a carbon atom. Electrons, being negatively charged, are found outside the nucleus in the electron shells. Therefore, the correct answer is "Protons and Neutrons."