The answer to "What contains most of the mass?" depends on the context. The question is ambiguous and requires clarification regarding the system being considered. Below, we address two key interpretations: atomic mass and Earth's mass.
1. Atomic Mass: The Nucleus
At the atomic level, the nucleus contains most of an atom's mass. This is because the nucleus houses protons and neutrons, which are significantly more massive than electrons. Electrons occupy the space surrounding the nucleus but contribute negligibly to the overall mass.
- Evidence: Multiple sources ([1], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]) confirm that the atomic nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, holds the vast majority of an atom's mass. The electrons, while contributing to the atom's overall structure and properties, have a mass so small that it's practically insignificant compared to the nucleus's mass.
2. Earth's Mass: The Mantle
Regarding Earth's mass, the mantle contains the greatest portion. While the core is denser, the mantle's significantly larger volume makes it the most massive layer.
- Evidence: A Brainly answer ([2]) explicitly states that the Earth's mantle contains most of the planet's mass. This aligns with our general understanding of Earth's structure and composition. While the core is denser, its smaller volume means the mantle dominates in terms of total mass.
