Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

Practice this question and more.


What charge does an electron carry?

  1. Positive charge

  2. Negative charge

  3. No charge

  4. Neutral charge

The correct answer is: Negative charge

An electron carries a negative charge. In atomic structure, electrons are subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus, which consists of positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons. The negative charge of electrons is fundamental to their interaction with other particles and atoms. This negative charge is crucial in establishing chemical bonds and maintaining the electrical neutrality in atoms, as the negative charge of electrons balances the positive charge of protons within the nucleus. This property is key to understanding concepts in chemistry and physics, including electricity and electrostatics, and underlies many principles in radiation safety, such as the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields.