Which particle has a negative charge?

The correct answer is Electron.

Key Points

• Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative electrical charge of -1 elementary charge (approximately -1.602 × 10^-19 coulombs).
• Electrons are found outside the nucleus of an atom in regions called electron clouds or orbitals.
• They are much lighter than protons and neutrons, with a mass of approximately 9.109 × 10^-31 kilograms, which is about 1/1836 of a proton's mass.
• The movement of electrons in conductive materials is the basis of electricity.
• Electrons play a critical role in chemical bonding, determining the way atoms interact and form molecules.

Additional Information

• Proton
  • Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
  • Each proton carries a charge of +1 elementary charge (1.602 × 10^-19 coulombs).
  • Protons define the atomic number of an element, which determines its identity.
• Neutron
  • Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
  • They have no electrical charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.
  • Neutrons play a key role in stabilizing the nucleus by offsetting the repulsion between positively charged protons.
• Positron
  • Positrons are the antimatter counterparts of electrons, with the same mass but a positive charge.
  • They are produced in processes like beta-plus decay and annihilate when they come into contact with electrons, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays.
• Subatomic Particles
  • An atom consists of three main types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Protons and neutrons are found in the atomic nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus.
  • The interactions between these particles dictate the atom's physical and chemical properties.