Which particle orbits the nucleus and has a negative charge?

Which particle orbits the nucleus and has a negative charge?

• A. Protons
• B. Neutrons
• C. Electrons
• D. Quarks

Answer: (C)

Electrons are the negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. They’re much lighter than protons and neutrons, and they occupy regions around the nucleus called orbitals or electron shells. The negative charge of electrons is attracted to the positive charge of protons in the nucleus, keeping them in motion around the center of the atom. The other options don’t fit: protons are positively charged and stay in the nucleus; neutrons have no charge and are also in the nucleus; quarks are the smaller constituents that make up protons and neutrons, not particles that orbit the nucleus.

Electrons are the negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. They’re much lighter than protons and neutrons, and they occupy regions around the nucleus called orbitals or electron shells. The negative charge of electrons is attracted to the positive charge of protons in the nucleus, keeping them in motion around the center of the atom. The other options don’t fit: protons are positively charged and stay in the nucleus; neutrons have no charge and are also in the nucleus; quarks are the smaller constituents that make up protons and neutrons, not particles that orbit the nucleus.