Electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom in what structure?

Electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom in rings or shells due to the specific energy levels associated with them. This model, often referred to as the Bohr model of the atom, depicts electrons existing in quantized energy levels or shells at varying distances from the nucleus. Each shell can hold a certain number of electrons, and these shells reflect the energy levels of the electrons. The shell closest to the nucleus has the lowest energy and can hold up to two electrons, while further shells can accommodate more electrons depending on their quantum state. This structure provides a clear understanding of electron configuration and helps explain how atoms interact during chemical bonding and reactions.

The other options, while they might suggest alternative ways of conceptualizing electron distributions, do not accurately represent the established scientific understanding of atomic structure.