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Electrons are subatomic particles that carry a negative electrical charge. They are fundamental to the structure of atoms and play a crucial role in chemical bonding and electrical conductivity. Each electron has a mass of approximately 9.11 x 10^-31 kilograms and a charge of -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs. Electrons are located in specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus of an atom, with each shell having a maximum number of electrons it can hold. The outermost shell, known as the valence shell, determines the chemical properties of an element. Electrons can move between energy levels, absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons. This movement is essential for processes such as electrical conduction in metals and the emission of light in fluorescent materials. The behavior of electrons is described by quantum mechanics, which introduces concepts like wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle. Electrons are also involved in various physical phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect and the behavior of semiconductors. Their properties and interactions are fundamental to understanding the physical and chemical world.