An atomic scientist was studying an atom and through experimentation found that the total negative charge of the area surrounding the nucleus is -9. Which statement correctly describes this atom? This atom has nine clouds. This atom has nine electrons. This atom has nine neutrons. This atom has nine protons.

An atom is a tiny particle which consists of a hard mass called nucleus, such that the other sub-particles such as electrons and protons revolve around the nucleus within a specific orbitals or energy levels.

Electrons carry negative charge and protons are positive in nature.

In the given problem, the total negative charge of the area surrounding the nucleus is -9, which resembles that there are 9 electrons surrounding the nucleus, to form an electron cloud. Hence, the statement, "atom has nine clouds" is incorrect.
The statement, "This atom has nine electrons" is correct as per the given explanation in the above point.
Neutrons are electrically neutral, hence they carry no charge. So, the statement, "atom has nine neutrons", is not correct.
Protons are positively charged entity, therefore the statement "atom has nine protons", is also incorrect.

Thus, we can conclude that correct statement to describe an atoms as per the given problem is that, "atom has nine electrons". Because the negative sign resembles electrons.

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