Electron

Definition

An electron is a subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge and is found in all atoms, orbiting the nucleus. Electrons are fundamental to the structure and behavior of atoms and play a crucial role in chemical bonding and the flow of electrical current.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electrons are responsible for the chemical properties and reactivity of atoms, as they participate in the formation of chemical bonds.
2. The number of electrons in an atom determines its chemical identity and behavior, as well as its ability to gain, lose, or share electrons.
3. Electrons occupy specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus, with the innermost shells being more tightly bound and the outermost shells being more loosely bound.
4. The arrangement and movement of electrons in an atom are described by quantum mechanical principles, which govern the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.
5. The flow of electrons through a material, such as a metal, is the basis for the generation and transmission of electric current, which is fundamental to many technological applications.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of electrons in the structure and behavior of atoms.
  • Electrons are essential to the structure and behavior of atoms. They are responsible for the chemical properties and reactivity of atoms, as they participate in the formation of chemical bonds. The number of electrons in an atom determines its chemical identity and behavior, as well as its ability to gain, lose, or share electrons. Electrons occupy specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus, with the innermost shells being more tightly bound and the outermost shells being more loosely bound. The arrangement and movement of electrons in an atom are described by quantum mechanical principles, which govern the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.
• Describe the role of electrons in the generation and transmission of electric current.
  • The flow of electrons through a material, such as a metal, is the basis for the generation and transmission of electric current, which is fundamental to many technological applications. Electrons are able to move freely within certain materials, and this flow of electrons is what we refer to as electric current. The movement of electrons through a conductive material, such as a wire, allows for the transmission of electrical energy, which is the foundation of many electrical and electronic devices.
• Analyze the relationship between the arrangement of electrons in an atom and its chemical properties.
  • The arrangement and distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals and energy levels directly influence the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of electrons and their configuration determine an atom's ability to form chemical bonds, participate in chemical reactions, and exhibit specific physical and chemical characteristics. For example, atoms with a full outer electron shell are generally less reactive, while atoms with partially filled outer shells are more likely to engage in bond formation to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Understanding the relationship between electron arrangement and chemical properties is crucial for predicting and explaining the behavior of atoms and molecules in various chemical processes.

Related terms

Proton: A subatomic particle with a positive electric charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron: A subatomic particle with no electric charge, also found in the nucleus of an atom.

Atomic Orbital: A mathematical function that describes the wave-like behavior of an electron in an atom.