What charge does an electron carry?

An electron carries a negative charge. This fundamental property of the electron is crucial in understanding electric charge, atomic structure, and the interactions of particles in physics and chemistry. Electrons are subatomic particles found in atoms, and their negative charge is essential for the formation of chemical bonds and the behavior of materials in electric and magnetic fields.

In the context of atomic structure, electrons orbit the nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The negative charge of electrons is balanced by the positive charge of protons, leading to the overall neutrality of the atom in its uncharged state. This balance is a foundational concept in both atomic theory and the broader study of electromagnetism.

Understanding that an electron's charge is negative also plays a significant role in various applications, such as in the field of radiation safety, where interactions between charged particles are essential in understanding radiation interactions and the behavior of different materials in the presence of ionizing radiation.