What is the term for the negative particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom?

The term for the negative particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom is the electron. Electrons carry a negative charge and are fundamental constituents of atoms, playing a crucial role in chemical bonding and reactions. They are found in various energy levels or shells around the nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons. The behavior of electrons, including their arrangement and movement, dictates how atoms interact with one another, making them essential for understanding the structure of matter.

The other particles mentioned, like protons and neutrons, exist within the nucleus itself: protons have a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. Muons are a form of leptons, similar to electrons but heavier and unstable, typically found in high-energy physics contexts and not as components of ordinary atomic structure. Thus, the electron is uniquely identified as the particle that orbits the nucleus and contributes to an atom's overall charge and interaction with other atoms.