Clay particles are

Options

A. Positively charged
B. Negatively charged
C. Electrically neutral
D. Without any charge

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Clay Particles**:
- Clay particles are small, fine-grained soil components that are primarily composed of silicate minerals.

2. **Charge of Clay Particles**:
- Clay particles possess a charge due to their composition. Specifically, they are negatively charged.

3. **Reason for Negative Charge**:
- The negative charge on clay particles arises from the presence of silicates. Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen, and they often carry a negative charge.

4. **Implications of Negative Charge**:
- Because clay particles are negatively charged, they have the ability to attract and hold positively charged ions, known as cations. This includes essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the information, the correct answer to the question "Clay particles are" is that they are **negatively charged**.

### Final Answer:
Clay particles are **negatively charged**.

---