What charge does an electron possess?

An electron possesses a negative charge. This fundamental property is a key aspect of atomic structure and electricity. In the context of atomic theory, electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom, which is made up of protons and neutrons. Protons, found in the nucleus, carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral and have no charge. The negative charge of electrons is equal in magnitude to the positive charge of protons, allowing atoms to maintain electrical neutrality when they have equal numbers of protons and electrons.

This intrinsic negative charge of electrons plays a critical role in electrical interactions and the flow of electric current in circuits. In contrast, options indicating a positive charge or neutral charge are not consistent with the known characteristics of electrons. The notion of a variable charge does not apply to electrons; charges are fixed and consistent, with electrons always having a negative charge. Understanding the charge of an electron is essential for grasping topics in electricity, magnetism, and how they relate to HVAC systems that depend on electrical components.