An electron is defined as which type of particle?

An electron is identified as a negatively charged particle. This characteristic is fundamental to its role in atomic structure and chemistry. In an atom, electrons occupy various energy levels around the nucleus, which consists of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The negative charge of electrons is crucial for the formation of chemical bonds, as they interact with positively charged nuclei of other atoms. The concept of electrical charge is key in understanding how particles like electrons contribute to the overall structure of matter and the behavior of atoms in reactions. Therefore, recognizing that an electron carries a negative charge helps in grasping various concepts in physics and chemistry, making this identification essential in the study of atomic and subatomic particles.