What is an Electron?

 An electron is an elementary particle, meaning it has no sub-atomic structure, and that it can be neither created nor destroyed. That’s right; electrons were here long before the universe was even formed and they will remain until the end of time—an astonishing fact considering that an electron is so small you could fit 50 million in across the width of a single penny! However, electrons aren’t just small in size; they are also small in mass. How much do electrons weigh? Let’s find out...

How many electrons are there in the universe?

Electrons are particles that have a negative charge. They are found in atoms and are responsible for electrical conductivity. The mass of an electron is about 1/1836 that of a proton.

How much does it weigh on Earth?

On Earth, the electron weighs about 5.485799090×10−4 kg. This is extremely small when compared to other particles such as the proton which has a mass of 1.6726231×10−27 kg. Despite its tiny size, the electron has a large impact on the world around us. For example, it plays a major role in how electricity works.

How big is it compared to atoms?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative electric charge. It is much smaller than an atom, measuring just 2.8 x 10^-15 meters in diameter. Though tiny, electrons are essential to the structure and behavior of atoms. Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom at varying distances, depending on the element. The closer an electron is to the nucleus, the more tightly it is bound to the atom.

Why do we call it an electron anyway?

In 1800, British chemist and physicist William Wollaston noticed that when light shone through a prism, some colors were missing. Wollaston theorized that these dark lines were caused by a new element he called dark matter. In 1838, German physicist and mathematician Gustav Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen observed dark lines in the spectrum of the Sun and other stars. They theorized that these lines were caused by a new element they called calcium. In 1874, English chemist Edward Frankland named this new element electron.

How fast can electrons move inside of atoms and molecules?

An electron is a subatomic particle that has a negative electrical charge. It orbits the nucleus of an atom and is responsible for the chemical properties of atoms. The mass of an electron is about 1/1836 that of a proton.

Are some electrons faster than others while they’re moving around inside of atoms and molecules?

Atoms and molecules are constantly in motion. The electrons that orbit the nucleus of an atom are no exception. In fact, electrons can move quite fast. But are some electrons faster than others?

Will you ever see one with your own eyes (electrons)?

No, you will never see an electron with your own eyes. They are just too small. Even though they are very small, they are actually one of the most important particles in the universe. Electrons are responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity. They have a negative charge and a mass that is 1/1836th of a proton.

Can electrons be bigger or smaller than other electrons?

An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle. It has a mass of 9.11 x 10-31 kg, which is about 1/1836 that of a proton. Electrons are found in all atoms and are responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity. They can have either spin up or spin down.

The size of an electron is difficult to define because it does not have a definite edge. Its charge gives it a certain radius, but its size also depends on its energy and momentum. In general, electrons are very small compared to other particles in the universe.