What part of the atom carries a negative charge?

Electrons are the fundamental particles within an atom that carry a negative charge. They orbit the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and their negative charge is crucial for bonding and chemical reactions. The presence of negatively charged electrons around the nucleus allows for the formation of molecules as they can interact with positively charged protons in other atoms. This interaction is key to understanding chemical properties and how matter behaves in various contexts.

Neutrons, by contrast, are neutral and do not carry any charge, while protons have a positive charge. The nucleus itself is composed of protons and neutrons and carries a positive charge due to the protons, while the overall charge of the atom is balanced by the electrons surrounding it. Understanding these components is essential for grasping basic chemistry and atomic structure.