Meaning of electron (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Electron:

Electron is the name given to a subatomic particle, that is, a stable particle of the atom that is characterized by having a negative charge. It is usually represented by the following sign: e ^-.

In 1891 Irish scientist George Stoney hypothesized the existence of these particles. In it he speculated that they would have an electric charge, so he assigned them the name of electron.

However, it was Joseph John Thomson who managed to demonstrate the existence of electrons in 1897, while working on a study of cathode rays.

Being an elementary particle of matter, electrons have neither subdivisions nor substructures, that is, they cannot be broken down into other particles.

See also:

• Atom. Neutron.

Due to the size of their mass, electrons are part of the family of leptons along with particles such as muon and tauon, the lightest particles known.

Indeed, the electrons have a mass of 0.0005 GeV (gigalectronvolt) or 9.1 × 10 ⁻³¹ kg. In comparison, the mass of a proton is at least 1800 times greater. Also, electrons also have no volume. The electric charge of an electron is −1.6 × 10 ^-19.

Although most electrons are part of atoms, there are autonomous electrons that move in matter independently, as well as electrons that are capable of forming beams in a vacuum.

Electrons are essential in the formation of chemical bonds, and therefore, of chemical reactions. They also participate in a leading role in the phenomenon of electromagnetism. Electric current is produced by the movement of free electrons in a certain direction. Also, the signals from TV screens are produced by a beam of electrons that form in a vacuum.