International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the charge of an electron?

1. +1

2. 0

3. -1

4. +0.5

The correct answer is: -1

An electron is a fundamental subatomic particle known for possessing a negative charge. The charge of an electron is defined as -1 elementary charge, which quantifies its electrical charge relative to a proton. This negative charge is crucial in various atomic interactions, especially in chemical bonding and electricity. Understanding the charge of an electron is essential in explaining many concepts in chemistry, such as how atoms form ions (when atoms gain or lose electrons) and the behavior of electrons in covalent and ionic bonds. The negative charge of electrons also leads to their attraction to positively charged particles, like protons, which holds atoms together within molecules.