Which subatomic particle is responsible for the negative charge in an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Nucleus

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that atoms are composed of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
2. Understand the charge of each particle: protons carry a positive charge, neutrons have no charge (neutral), and electrons carry a negative charge.
3. Recognize that the overall charge of an atom depends on the balance between protons and electrons.
4. Since electrons are the only subatomic particles with a negative charge, they are responsible for the negative charge in an atom.
5. Therefore, the subatomic particle responsible for the negative charge in an atom is the electron.