Which elementary particles have a negative electrical charge and a very small mass?

Electrons are the elementary particles that possess a negative electrical charge and have a very small mass compared to other subatomic particles. They are one of the fundamental components of atoms, orbiting around the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.

The negative charge of electrons is significant in the context of atomic structure, as it balances the positive charge of protons, enabling the formation of stable atoms. Their small mass, approximately 1/1836 the mass of a proton, allows them to behave differently than heavier particles, particularly in how they interact with electromagnetic fields.

Understanding the role of electrons in addition to their charge and mass is crucial for comprehending electric currents, chemical bonding, and various phenomena in physics, such as conductivity and magnetism. The other choices do not fit this description: protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and nuclei refer to the central part of an atom encompassing protons and neutrons rather than individual charged particles.