Which subatomic particle carries a negative charge and orbits the nucleus?

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

Answer: (A)

Electrons are the negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus, forming the atom’s surrounding electron cloud. They’re held near the center by the electromagnetic attraction to the positively charged protons inside the nucleus. Protons reside in the nucleus and carry a positive charge, neutrons also reside in the nucleus but have no charge, and quarks are smaller components that make up protons and neutrons rather than moving around the nucleus themselves. This is why the particle that carries a negative charge and is found orbiting the nucleus is the electron.