Which subatomic particle has a negative electric charge?

Which subatomic particle has a negative electric charge?

• A. Proton
• B. Electron
• C. Neutron
• D. Positron

Answer: (B)

Electric charge is a property that distinguishes particles. The electron carries a negative charge, the proton carries a positive charge, and the neutron has no net charge. A positron is the antimatter partner of the electron and also has a positive charge. So, the particle with negative charge is the electron. This negative charge explains why electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus and helps balance the overall charge of atoms when the numbers of electrons and protons match.

Electric charge is a property that distinguishes particles. The electron carries a negative charge, the proton carries a positive charge, and the neutron has no net charge. A positron is the antimatter partner of the electron and also has a positive charge. So, the particle with negative charge is the electron. This negative charge explains why electrons are attracted to the positively charged nucleus and helps balance the overall charge of atoms when the numbers of electrons and protons match.