What charge do electrons have as they move through an electric circuit?

Electrons have a negative charge as they move through an electric circuit. This fundamental property of electrons is essential to understanding how electric circuits function. In a circuit, electrons flow from the negative terminal of a power source, such as a battery, towards the positive terminal. This movement creates an electric current, which is the flow of electric charge.

Understanding that electrons possess a negative charge helps clarify why they are attracted to positive charges, such as protons found in atomic nuclei or the positive terminal of a power source. This attraction is what drives the flow of current in circuits, enabling the operation of electrical devices.

The other choices do not accurately describe the nature of electrons. A neutral charge would imply that there is no effect on electric fields or current flow, which contradicts the behavior of electrons in an electric circuit. A positive charge would refer to protons or specific ions in an electrochemical context, not electrons. The concept of a variable charge does not apply, as electrons consistently maintain a negative charge regardless of the situation they are in.