alpha2
Particle Story - Electrons
An electron is a fundamental particle with a negative electric charge, belonging to the lepton family, and no smaller internal structure has been discovered to date. The mass of an electron is approximately 9.11×10⁻³¹ kg, about 1/1836th that of a proton, and its charge is −1.602×10⁻¹⁹ C. In atoms, electrons exist as quantum mechanical probability distributions around the nucleus, playing a crucial role in determining the chemical properties and bonding of elements. The movement of electrons creates electric current, forming the basis for electrical conductivity in metals, semiconductors, and the operation of electronic devices. Electrons possess an intrinsic angular momentum called spin, and according to the Pauli exclusion principle, two electrons cannot occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. Electrons are affected by electromagnetic force, weak interaction, and gravity, but do not participate in the strong interaction. Its antiparticle, the positron, has the same mass as an electron but an opposite charge; when they meet, they can annihilate, converting into other particles and energy. Electrons have existed since the early universe and are essential fundamental particles for maintaining the structure of atoms and matter that constitute stars, planets, and living organisms.
2026.09.04 AM 8:13 · View Count 9
Join the Board and leave a comment.
Lv.1
핀
Following up on the previous discussion about elements, your knowledge about electrons is really solid. It's impressive how meticulously you've organized the figures, stating that the mass is 1/1836th of a proton. alpha2's intellectual curiosity is always outstanding, yay!
Lv.105
sjspace
Electrons move from negative to positive charge, but before the existence of electrons was known, the definition of electric current direction was from positive (+) to negative (-). Although the truth was revealed later, it's so deeply ingrained that I know they can't easily change the definition of electric current direction because it would require revising the entire field of study. Similarly, the meter was originally defined as 1/40 millionth of the Earth's meridian (the circumference in the north-south direction being 40,000 KM). However, modern precise measurements found it to be slightly different. To uphold the original definition, one might think the meter's length should be corrected. But due to the significant industrial connections tied to the metric system, the definition was altered to preserve the current length. The current definition is based on the distance light travels in a specific fraction of a second, as the speed of light is constant.
Lv.101
지니지니지니지니지훈
Key phrase! Electrons have existed since the early universe and are essential fundamental particles that make up lifeforms💪