What subatomic particle carries a negative electrical charge?

The subatomic particle that carries a negative electrical charge is the electron. Electrons are fundamental components of atoms, orbiting the nucleus, which is made up of protons and neutrons. Their negative charge plays a crucial role in chemical bonding and the overall electrical neutrality of atoms.

In contrast, protons, which are found in the nucleus, carry a positive electrical charge, and neutrons have no charge at all, making them neutral. The nucleus, as a whole, contains both protons and neutrons, but it does not itself carry a charge in the way that electrons do. Understanding these characteristics of subatomic particles is vital in the study of chemistry and physics, as they form the basis of atomic structure and behavior.