What particle has a negative electrical charge?

An electron is the particle that carries a negative electrical charge. In atomic structure, electrons are found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, where they orbit the positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. This negative charge is significant because it enables chemical bonding and interactions between atoms. The attraction between positively charged protons in the nucleus and negatively charged electrons holds the atom together, facilitating various chemical reactions and properties of materials.

Protons, in contrast, have a positive charge, while neutrons are electrically neutral and do not carry any charge. An ion could be negatively or positively charged, depending on whether it has gained or lost electrons, but it is not a specific particle with a consistent charge like an electron. Thus, when referencing a particle that is universally known to possess a negative charge, the electron is the clear choice.