An electron is defined as having which type of charge?

An electron is defined as having a negative charge. This characteristic distinguishes it from other subatomic particles, such as protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which have no charge at all. The negative charge of an electron is fundamental to the structure of atoms, as it allows for the formation of chemical bonds with positively charged protons in the nucleus.

Additionally, the concept of charge is central to understanding electric forces and fields. Electrons, being negatively charged, play a crucial role in electricity and magnetism, influencing how materials interact with one another. In contrast, positive charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract, creating a balance within atoms and matter as a whole. Understanding the nature of an electron’s negative charge is essential for grasping concepts in both physics and chemistry.