Electron

What is an Electron?

An electron is a tiny part of an atom. It has a negative charge, which means it pulls toward positive things and pushes away from other negative things. Electrons are very light and move around the center of an atom, called the nucleus.

Why Do We Know About Electrons?

Electrons help make things work in our everyday lives. In metals, electrons can move freely. This is why metals can carry electricity and heat. Electrons are also important in computers and other electronics. Scientists can control electrons in special tools called semiconductors to make machines work.

Fun Facts About Electrons

• Electrons are one of the building blocks of ordinary matter in the universe, along with up and down quarks.
• They are much lighter than another type of particle called a proton.
• Electrons act like both tiny particles and waves, which helps explain things like electricity, magnetism, and how chemicals react.

Electrons are all around us, even though we can’t see them. They help make the world work in many amazing ways!