International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

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What particles orbit the nucleus of an atom?

  1. Protons

  2. Neutrons

  3. Electrons

  4. Positrons

The correct answer is: Electrons

Electrons are the particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are negatively charged and exist in various energy levels or shells around the nucleus, which is composed of protons and neutrons. The arrangement and movement of electrons in these shells determine many of the chemical properties of an element, including its bonding behavior and reactivity. In contrast, protons, which carry a positive charge, and neutrons, which are electrically neutral, reside within the nucleus itself, contributing to the atom's mass and overall stability. Positrons, on the other hand, are the antimatter counterparts of electrons and are not typically found in stable atoms; they may be produced in certain types of radioactive decay or particle interactions but do not orbit the nucleus like electrons do.

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