Orbits around the nucleus and has a negative charge?

Orbits around the nucleus and has a negative charge?

• A. Quarks
• B. Neutrinos
• C. Protons
• D. Electrons

Answer: (D)

The key idea is identifying the particle that both encircles the nucleus and carries a negative electric charge. In atoms, the nucleus is made of protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral), while electrons are the lightweight particles that surround the nucleus. Electrons have negative charge and are attracted to the positively charged protons by the electromagnetic force, which is why they stay in orbit around the nucleus in basic models. Quarks are the smaller constituents inside protons and neutrons and don’t orbit the nucleus themselves. Neutrinos are separate, very light neutral particles not part of the atom’s usual structure. Protons stay in the nucleus and have positive charge, not negative. So, the particle that both orbits the nucleus and has a negative charge is electrons.

The key idea is identifying the particle that both encircles the nucleus and carries a negative electric charge. In atoms, the nucleus is made of protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral), while electrons are the lightweight particles that surround the nucleus. Electrons have negative charge and are attracted to the positively charged protons by the electromagnetic force, which is why they stay in orbit around the nucleus in basic models. Quarks are the smaller constituents inside protons and neutrons and don’t orbit the nucleus themselves. Neutrinos are separate, very light neutral particles not part of the atom’s usual structure. Protons stay in the nucleus and have positive charge, not negative. So, the particle that both orbits the nucleus and has a negative charge is electrons.