Which term describes a negatively charged particle?

• A. Electron
• B. Nuclear fuel
• C. Activated Corrosion Products
• D. Reactor coolant

Answer: (A)

A negatively charged particle is an electron. In atoms, electrons are the particles that carry negative electric charge and orbit the nucleus in electron shells or clouds. Their negative charge is what makes them the primary carriers of electricity and the main agents of ionization in radiation interactions. The other terms refer to substances or materials in a reactor setting rather than particles with a charge: nuclear fuel is the fissile material, reactor coolant is the liquid that removes heat, and activated corrosion products are radioactive substances formed on surfaces. Since the question is asking for the term that describes a negatively charged particle, the electron is the correct match.