Taken from the article What is an Electron? by Peter Ripota

  • Electrons exist in two forms: free and bound.
  • Free electrons are found in metals & the air, while bound electrons exist in atoms.
  • Charge and mass are the same for all electrons.
  • Electrons spin up or down (counterclockwise or clockwise)
  • The diameter of its orbit around the atomic nucleus, is known as the energy level.
  • Electrons are the only elementary particles that live forever (that are stable).
  • Electrons are the only particles observed traveling faster than the speed of light.
  • Electrons were the first particles to reveal their wave nature, even though they are clearly particles. 
  • In string theory, they are incredibly small vibrating strings that can be stretched incredibly far.
Paul Carney Avatar

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2 responses to “Facts about electrons”

  1. David Milligan-Croft Avatar

    I am fascinated by this stuff. (Maybe it’s an age thing.) Love the explanation and your designs to express them.

    1. Paul Carney Avatar

      It never fails to amaze me David. Atoms are astonishing things. I’m fascinated and baffled!

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