The electron cloud is negatively charged.
The following points explain the charge of the electron cloud in more detail:
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Fundamental Charge: Electrons, which comprise the electron cloud, possess a negative elementary charge.
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Neutral Atoms: In a neutral atom, the negative charge of the electron cloud balances the positive charge of the nucleus (protons).
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Ions: According to the reference text, "Of course the negative charge of the electron cloud is balanced by the positive charge of the atomic nucleus for neutral molecules. Should there be an excess or deficiency of electrons, the atom will be ionic and have a net charge." If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negative ion (anion). If it loses electrons, it becomes a positive ion (cation).
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Charge Imbalance: An imbalance between the number of electrons in the electron cloud and the number of protons in the nucleus leads to a net charge, resulting in an ion.
