Which statement correctly describes the nucleus of the atom? the nucleus of the atom contains the electrons.the nucleus of the atom is mostly empty space.the nucleus of the atom surrounds the center of the atom.the nucleus of the atom contains most of the mass of an atom.

Option (D) is correct.

Explanation:

According to the Rutherford's atom model, almost entire mass of the atoms consists in the small central core. This small central core is called the nucleus of the atom.

Nucleus contains protons and neutrons.

Mass of one proton is 1.67 x 10^-27 Kg

Mass of one neutron is almost same as that of mass of one proton.

Mass of an electron is 9.1 x 10^-31 Kg.

Mass of electron is much lesser than the mass of proton and neutron, so almost entire mass of the atom consists in the nucleus.

increase masses, decrease separation