Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC ) Electrical Practice Test

What type of charge does an electron possess?

1. Positive charge

2. Neutral charge

3. Negative charge

4. Variable charge

The correct answer is: Negative charge

An electron possesses a negative charge, which is fundamental to its identity as a subatomic particle. The convention in physics defines charge types as either positive or negative, with electrons being one of the primary carriers of negative charge within an atom. This property is crucial to the behavior of atoms and the formation of chemical bonds, as positive charges (protons) found in the nucleus of atoms attract electrons, leading to the stable structure of atoms. Understanding the negative charge of electrons is essential for grasping concepts in electricity and magnetism, where their movement constitutes electric current. The characteristics of negative charges play a significant role in electrical circuits, semiconductor behavior, and the principles of electromagnetic fields.