A negative charge refers to an excess of electrons in an atom or molecule, resulting in a net negative charge. This means that the atom or molecule has gained one or more electrons, giving it a negative electrical charge.
A free electron is an electron that is not bound to an atom or molecule and is able to move freely. In other words, it is not part of an atom's nucleus or one of its orbiting electrons. Free electrons are commonly found in metals and play a crucial role in conducting electricity.
The main difference between negative charge and free electron is that a negative charge refers to the overall charge of an atom or molecule, while a free electron refers to a single electron that is not bound to an atom. Negative charge can be caused by an excess or deficiency of electrons, while free electrons are always in excess and are able to move freely.
Negative charge and free electrons play important roles in determining the properties of a material. For example, materials with a high concentration of free electrons are good conductors of electricity, while materials with a low concentration of free electrons are insulators. Negative charge can also affect the chemical reactivity and bonding of a material.
Yes, a material can have a negative charge without any free electrons. This can occur when the material has an overall excess of electrons, but these electrons are not able to move freely. This is often the case in insulating materials, where the electrons are tightly bound to their respective atoms or molecules, resulting in a net negative charge but no free electrons.