Which statement best describes an electron?

• A. An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle found outside the nucleus of an atom.
• B. An electron is a positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom.
• C. An electron is a neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
• D. An electron is a positively charged subatomic particle found outside the nucleus of an atom.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the basic structure of an atom, which consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, and electrons that move around the nucleus in electron clouds or orbitals.
2. Step 2: Recall the charges of subatomic particles: protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge (neutral), and electrons have a negative charge.
3. Step 3: Identify the location of each particle: protons and neutrons are located inside the nucleus, while electrons are found outside the nucleus in the electron cloud.
4. Step 4: Combine the information about charge and location to describe an electron as a negatively charged subatomic particle found outside the nucleus of an atom.
5. Step 5: Use this understanding to evaluate the given statements and select the one that correctly describes an electron based on its charge and location.