Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

What is the fundamental particle of electricity?

1. Proton

2. Neutron

3. Electron

4. Photon

The correct answer is: Electron

The fundamental particle of electricity is the electron. Electrons are subatomic particles with a negative charge that orbit the nucleus of an atom. When electrons move, they create an electric current, which is the flow of electric charge. This movement is what allows for electricity to be transmitted and utilized in various applications. In essence, electrons are key to the behavior of electricity, as they determine how electric energy is generated, stored, and used. Protons and neutrons, while fundamental to an atom's structure, are primarily located within the nucleus and do not contribute to electrical conductivity like electrons do. Photons, on the other hand, are particles of light that do not carry electric charge, making them not fundamental to the concept of electricity in the way electrons are. Hence, the importance of the electron in the context of electricity is foundational and cannot be understated.