Elektrón

Elektrón is a fundamental particle of matter, carrying a negative electric charge. It is a lepton, which means it does not participate in the strong nuclear force. Electrons are one of the most common subatomic particles and are essential components of atoms. They orbit the nucleus of an atom, which contains protons and neutrons. The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons, which defines the element.

Electrons have a mass of approximately 9.109 × 10⁻³¹ kilograms. They are considered elementary particles, meaning they are not composed of smaller particles. Their behavior is described by quantum mechanics, exhibiting wave-particle duality, meaning they can behave as both a particle and a wave.

The flow of electrons is what constitutes an electric current. This phenomenon is fundamental to electricity and is harnessed in countless technologies, from simple light bulbs to complex electronic devices. Electrons are also involved in chemical bonding, where they are shared or transferred between atoms to form molecules. Their interactions are responsible for many of the chemical properties of matter. The discovery of the electron by J.J. Thomson in 1897 was a pivotal moment in the understanding of atomic structure and paved the way for modern physics.