What is the charge of electrons in an atom?

Electrons in an atom carry a negative charge. This fundamental property is critical to understanding the behavior of atoms in chemical interactions and reactions. The negative charge of electrons balances the positive charge of protons, which are located in the nucleus of the atom. This balance of charges is what keeps the atom stable and allows for the formation of chemical bonds between atoms.

The significance of the electron's negative charge extends into various areas of physics and chemistry, influencing how atoms interact with one another and determining the overall charge of an atom. Furthermore, the negative charge contributes to the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, which defines the space an atom occupies and plays a key role in the atom’s reactivity.