Electrons are particles that are characterized by what kind of charge?

Electrons are fundamental subatomic particles that possess a negative electric charge. This characteristic is essential in the context of atomic structure and chemical bonding. The negative charge of electrons leads to various physical properties and interactions, including the way atoms bond with each other. The attraction between negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons in the nucleus is fundamental to the stability of atoms.

Understanding that electrons have a negative charge helps differentiate them from protons, which are positively charged, and neutrons, which are neutral and carry no charge. This basic knowledge is crucial in fields such as chemistry and physics, enabling a comprehension of how atoms behave in different scenarios, including electrical conductivity and chemical reactions.