Electrons are characterized as which type of charge?

Electrons are characterized by a negative charge. This fundamental property is essential in understanding the behavior of matter at the atomic level. In an atom, the negative charge of electrons repels other negative charges but attracts positive charges, which are found in protons. This attraction is crucial in forming chemical bonds, determining molecular structures, and defining the properties of elements. The negative charge of electrons is a foundational concept in physics and chemistry, influencing how atoms interact and bond to form molecules. This characteristic helps explain a wide range of phenomena, from the behavior of electricity to the principles of magnetism and the stability of matter itself. The other options, such as positive, neutral, and variable, do not accurately describe the property of electrons and their role in atomic structure.