Which particles orbit the nucleus and carry a negative charge?

Which particles orbit the nucleus and carry a negative charge?

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

Answer: (B)

Electrons orbit the nucleus and carry a negative charge. In atoms, the nucleus contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, while electrons occupy regions around the nucleus called orbitals, held in place by the attraction between their negative charge and the protons’ positive charge. Neutrons and protons stay in the nucleus, so they don’t orbit. Quarks are the smaller particles that combine to form protons and neutrons, not separate particles that circle the nucleus. The negative charge of electrons is what balances the positive charge of the nucleus in a neutral atom, and the number of electrons can vary to give different overall charges.

Electrons orbit the nucleus and carry a negative charge. In atoms, the nucleus contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, while electrons occupy regions around the nucleus called orbitals, held in place by the attraction between their negative charge and the protons’ positive charge. Neutrons and protons stay in the nucleus, so they don’t orbit. Quarks are the smaller particles that combine to form protons and neutrons, not separate particles that circle the nucleus. The negative charge of electrons is what balances the positive charge of the nucleus in a neutral atom, and the number of electrons can vary to give different overall charges.