Determine whether each of the following statements is true or false. If false, correct the statement to make it true: (a) The nucleus has most of the mass and comprises most of the volume of an atom.

Verified step by step guidance

1. The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons, which account for most of the atom's mass.
2. The volume of an atom is mostly empty space, with electrons occupying this space in electron clouds.
3. The nucleus is very small compared to the overall size of the atom, meaning it does not comprise most of the atom's volume.
4. Therefore, the statement is false. The nucleus has most of the mass but comprises very little of the volume of an atom.
5. Corrected statement: The nucleus has most of the mass but comprises very little of the volume of an atom.

Key Concepts

Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and is surrounded by electrons in orbitals. The nucleus is dense and contains most of the atom's mass, while the electron cloud occupies most of the atom's volume, making it largely empty space.

Mass vs. Volume in Atoms

While the nucleus accounts for the majority of an atom's mass due to the presence of protons and neutrons, it occupies a very small volume compared to the overall size of the atom. The electron cloud, which is much larger in volume, contributes negligibly to the mass.

True/False Statements in Science

In scientific inquiry, evaluating statements as true or false requires understanding the underlying principles. A false statement can often be corrected by identifying the inaccuracies and providing the correct information based on established scientific knowledge.