Question

Why is an Electron Negative?

Answer 1

Following are the reasons why an electron is negative:

1. In an atom, there is an equal number of electrons and protons. Since the proton is a positively charged particle and to make the atom electrically neutral electron must carry a negative charge.
2. When an electron is placed in an electric field it will move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, and by convention that makes it a negatively charged particle.
3. Electrons were discovered by Cathode Ray Experiment. In this experiment, some particles were deflected towards the positive plate of the electric field which was further called electrons. Because of their deflection towards the positive plate, they were assumed as negatively charged particles.

Hence, the electron is a negative particle.