Electron
/ɪˈlektrɒn/
Definitions
A stable subatomic particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.
/ɪˈlektrɒn/
A subatomic particle with a negative electric charge
Electrons are fundamental particles of matter.
💡 Simply: Imagine tiny little particles zooming around inside everything! These particles, called electrons, carry electricity. They're like the little messengers that make lights turn on or your phone charge.
👶 For kids: A tiny, tiny bit of stuff that's super small and has a little bit of electricity on it. It helps make electricity work!
More Examples
The movement of electrons creates an electric current.
Scientists study the behavior of electrons in various materials.
How It's Used
"Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom."
"The sharing of electrons forms covalent bonds."
Idioms & expressions
electron cloud
A model describing the probable location of electrons within an atom.
"The electron cloud represents the region where electrons are most likely to be found."
From Greek *ēlektron* (ἤλεκτρον), meaning "amber." Amber's ability to attract objects when rubbed gave rise to the study of static electricity, and thus the name was adopted for the subatomic particle carrying a negative charge.
The term 'electron' was coined in 1891 by George Johnstone Stoney, initially to describe the 'unit of electricity' responsible for electrolysis. It was later recognized as a particle.
Memory tip
Think of electricity flowing through wires - it's the flow of electrons!