What is the relative charge of an electron?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the relative charge of an electron?

Explanation:
Electrons carry negative electrical charge. In the common unit we use, the elementary charge, a proton has +1 and a neutron has 0, so the electron must have the opposite sign with the same magnitude. That gives a relative charge of -1. This negative charge explains why electrons are attracted to positive charges and why atoms become neutral when the numbers of protons and electrons are equal. The other options describe a proton (+1), a neutron (0), or an unusual charge that doesn’t apply to a single electron.

Electrons carry negative electrical charge. In the common unit we use, the elementary charge, a proton has +1 and a neutron has 0, so the electron must have the opposite sign with the same magnitude. That gives a relative charge of -1. This negative charge explains why electrons are attracted to positive charges and why atoms become neutral when the numbers of protons and electrons are equal. The other options describe a proton (+1), a neutron (0), or an unusual charge that doesn’t apply to a single electron.

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