If one atom were the size of the Houston Astrodome, what would its nucleus be comparable to?

When comparing the size of an atom to its nucleus, the analogy of one atom being the size of the Houston Astrodome provides an illustrative scale. In this scenario, the nucleus, which contains most of the atom's mass in a very small volume, is akin to the size of a pea.

To clarify this analogy, the vast majority of an atom is empty space, as electrons orbit around the nucleus at a considerable distance, much like planets around the sun. If the atom is enormous, like the Houston Astrodome, the nucleus is incredibly tiny relative to that size, similar to how a pea is significantly smaller than a large domed structure. This analogy highlights the relative scale of atomic dimensions and helps to visualize the concept of atomic structure more effectively.

Using a submarine, airplane, or building as comparisons would not accurately convey the stark difference in scale between the nucleus and the entire atom. For instance, these options imply a much larger diameter than what accurately illustrates the minuscule size of a nucleus in relation to the atom, thus reinforcing the correctness of comparing it to a pea.