What is the electrical charge of an electron?

The electrical charge of an electron is defined as negative. This fundamental property is crucial to understanding atomic structure and atomic interactions. Electrons carry a charge of approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs, which is essential for chemical bonding and the behavior of atoms within molecules.

The concept of negative charge is integral to the theories of electricity and magnetism, where opposite charges attract and like charges repel. In an atom, electrons orbit the nucleus, which is composed of positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons, leading to the stability of matter as a whole. Understanding that electrons are negatively charged helps explain various physical phenomena, including conductivity and the formation of ions.

In contrast, describing an electron as having a positive charge, a neutral charge, or a variable charge does not align with established scientific knowledge regarding fundamental particles and their interactions.