Science
What is The electron?
An electron is a tiny, negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. Electrons are responsible for chemical bonding and the flow of electricity, making them central to chemistry, electronics, and life itself.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the electron.
Key things to understand
- 1It's a tiny, negatively charged subatomic particle.
- 2Electrons surround an atom's nucleus.
- 3Their movement is what we call electric current.
- 4They drive chemical bonds and reactions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an electron?
- A tiny, negatively charged particle that orbits an atom's nucleus and carries electric current.
- What do electrons do?
- They form chemical bonds and, when they flow, create the electricity that powers our devices.
- Are electrons smaller than atoms?
- Yes — electrons are far smaller and lighter than the atoms whose nuclei they orbit.