Atoms are held together by
A) the electrostatic force of attraction between the protons in the nucleus and the surrounding electrons
B) the combined electrostatic force of attraction between the protons and neutrons in the nucleus and the surrounding electrons
C) the force of gravitational attraction between the protons in the nucleus and the surrounding electrons
D) the electrostatic force of attraction between the neutrons in the nucleus and the surrounding electrons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atoms are held together by the electrostatic force of attraction between the positively charged protons in the nucleus and the negatively charged electrons that surround the nucleus. This force is what keeps the electrons in their orbits around the nucleus, creating stable atoms. The combined electrostatic force of attraction between the protons and neutrons is important in holding the nucleus together, but it is not what holds the whole atom together. Similarly, the force of gravitational attraction between the protons and electrons is much weaker than the electrostatic force and is not significant at atomic scales. The neutrons in the nucleus do not contribute to the attraction that holds the atom together since they are electrically neutral.

Atoms Are Held Together by