Question 18 Consider the image given below. Electrons: (3 answers are correct)
Atom structure
Proton
Neutron
Electron
orbits the nucleus in distinct shells.
are located in the nucleus of an atom.
O O O O O
have a negative electrical charge.
may be lost, gained, or shared by atoms allowing chemical bonds to form.
have no electrical charge.

The correct answers are Orbits the nucleus in distinct shells / Have a negative electrical charge / May be lost, gained, or shared by atoms allowing chemical bonds to form.

Explanation:

The image shows the model of an atom (unit of matter), in this, the electrons represented by blue dots are the only sub-particles outside the nucleus, while protons and neutrons are inside. This is because electrons are not part of the nucleus but orbit it. Also, these can be found in specific orbits or regions, known as shells. According to this, it is correct electrons orbit the nucleus in shells.

Moreover, electrons differ from other sub-particles because they are negatively charged, while neutrons are not charged and protons have a positive charge. Thus, it is correct electrons have a negative electrical charge.

Finally, their location in the atom and charge makes electrons to attract other atoms or ions and form chemical bonds. This occurs as different atoms or ions can shared electrons. Also, as part of this, atoms can gain or lose electrons. This means electrons can be gained, lost, or shared.