Which subatomic particle carries a negative charge?

The electron is the subatomic particle that carries a negative charge. In the structure of an atom, electrons orbit the nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons. The charge of the electron is fundamental to the understanding of atomic structure and chemistry, as it determines how atoms interact with one another.

In atoms, protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge. The combination of protons in the nucleus gives the atom its positive charge, and the negatively charged electrons create an overall neutral charge when they balance with the protons. This concept is crucial in grasping basic physics and chemistry, as the interactions between charged particles lead to the formation of chemical bonds and the creation of different substances.