Structure of an Atom: Sub-atomic Particles
What Is an Electron? An electron is a tiny, negatively charged particle that is part of every atom. Electrons move around the nucleus of an atom, which contains protons and neutrons. Even though electrons are much smaller than protons and neutrons, they play a huge role in how atoms behave and how elements react. Key Facts About Electrons: Charge : Negative (−1) Mass : Very small—about 1/1836 the mass of a proton Location : Found in energy levels or shells outside the nucleus Movement : They move rapidly around the nucleus in regions called electron clouds Role : Electrons are responsible for electricity, chemical bonding, and reactions Why Electrons Matter: They determine how atoms bond with each other (e.g., in covalent or ionic bonds). The number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom. When electrons move from one atom to another, electricity is created! Wh...