ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

What are electrons characterized as in terms of electrical charge?

1. Neutral particles

2. Positively charged particles

3. Negatively charged particles

4. Uncharged particles

The correct answer is: Negatively charged particles

Electrons are characterized as negatively charged particles. This fundamental property is critical to understanding various concepts in physics and chemistry, including atomic structure and electrical phenomena. In an atom, electrons inhabit energy levels surrounding the nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutrons that carry no charge. The negative charge of electrons accounts for the attractive electrostatic force that holds them in orbit around the positively charged nucleus, balancing the overall charge of an atom. This property plays a vital role in electric currents, chemical bonding, and the behavior of materials under electromagnetic fields. Recognizing that electrons carry a negative charge enables a better understanding of how they contribute to electrical conductivity and how they interact with other charged particles in various applications, including industrial radiography.