An electron is a fundamental subatomic particle carrying a negative electric charge. It is one of the primary constituents of an atom, along with protons and neutrons, and orbits the atomic nucleus. Electrons have a negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons, approximately 1/1836 times the mass of a proton. They exhibit wave-particle duality, behaving as both particles and waves according to quantum mechanics. Electrons occupy distinct energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus, determining an atom’s chemical properties and behavior. They are involved in various fundamental processes, such as chemical bonding between atoms to form molecules, electricity conduction in materials, and the functioning of electronic devices. Understanding the behavior and interactions of electrons is essential in multiple scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, and electronics, forming the basis for our understanding of matter and its properties at the atomic and subatomic levels.
