What is the charge of an electron?

The charge of an electron is -1. This negative charge is a fundamental property of the electron and plays a crucial role in the structure of atoms and the behavior of matter. In atomic theory, electrons are subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom, which is composed of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The negative charge of electrons allows them to be attracted to the positive charges of protons, which helps to hold the atom together and balance the overall electrical charge.

The charge of -1 for an electron is established through experimental observations and plays a vital role in chemistry and physics, particularly in explaining ionic bonding, electrical conduction, and electrostatics. In contrast, other choices, such as 0, +1, and -2, do not describe the charge of an electron accurately. A charge of 0 would imply neutrality, failing to account for the electron's role in electrical charge interactions. A charge of +1 would suggest that the particle is a positron, which is the electron's antiparticle. Lastly, a -2 charge does not exist for a single electron, as each electron consistently carries a charge of -1.