electron

Everyday

1. An electron is a tiny particle, much smaller than an atom, that has a negative electric charge and moves around the nucleus (centre) of an atom. tree →
2. When many electrons flow through a wire, that flow is an electric current. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about electricity and atoms, electrons carry electric current through wires in circuits; metals let electrons flow easily (conductors), while plastic and rubber do not (insulators). Static electricity happens when electrons move from one thing to another, like rubbing a balloon on your hair. Phrases: flow of electrons, negative charge, protons, neutrons and electrons.

Examples

• An electron has a negative charge. tree →
• Electrons flow through the copper wire. tree →
• An atom has protons and neutrons in the middle and electrons around them. tree →
• When you rub a balloon, electrons move onto it. tree →
• Electrons are far too small to see, even with a microscope. tree →
• Electricity is a flow of electrons in a circuit. tree →
• A proton has a positive charge, and an electron has a negative one. tree →
• Electrons move easily in metals, so metals conduct electricity. tree →

Note

Countable: an electron (use «an»), electrons. Pronounced «ih-LEK-tron». Related words: electric, electricity, electronic. Simplified pictures show electrons orbiting like planets, but scientists now describe them as clouds around the nucleus. Opposite charges attract: electrons (negative) are attracted to protons (positive).