In an atom, what attracts the electrons?

Electrons are attracted to protons due to the electromagnetic force, which is one of the fundamental forces of nature. Protons carry a positive charge, whereas electrons carry a negative charge. According to Coulomb's law, opposite charges attract; therefore, the negatively charged electrons are pulled towards the positively charged protons located in the nucleus of the atom. This attraction helps to keep the electrons in their orbits around the nucleus, creating a stable atomic structure.

The other options do not correctly describe the interactions at play within an atom. Electrons do not orbit around each other; rather, they occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus. The notion that electrons are repelled by neutrons is incorrect as neutrons are neutral and do not exert a charge-based influence on electrons. Additionally, electrons are significantly smaller than protons, which makes the statement about their size misleading in the context of atomic structure. Understanding the attraction between protons and electrons is fundamental to grasping how atoms are formed and behave.