electron
/i'lektrɔn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An elementary particle with negative charge: An electron is a fundamental subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge. It is a key component of atoms, orbiting the atomic nucleus.
Usage
- The word "electron" is a countable noun. It is used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and chemistry, to describe a specific type of particle.
- It is typically preceded by articles like "an" or "the" and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., , ).
Examples
- Noun:
- An electron has a much smaller mass than a proton.
- The flow of electrons through a conductor constitutes an electric current.
- In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.
Advanced Usage
- "Electron cloud": A region around an atomic nucleus where there is a high probability of finding an electron.
- The electron cloud model represents the modern understanding of atomic structure.
- "Electron configuration": The distribution of electrons of an atom in atomic orbitals.
- The chemical properties of an element are largely determined by its electron configuration.
Variants and Related Words
- Electronic (adj): Pertaining to electrons or devices that operate by the movement of electrons.
- Electronic devices like computers are essential in modern life.
- Electronics (n): The branch of physics and technology concerned with the design of circuits using transistors and microchips, and the behavior of electrons.
- He studied electronics at university.
Synonyms
- Negatron (n): A historical or less common term for an electron, emphasizing its negative charge. (Note: This is rarely used in modern contexts.)
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Free electron: An electron that is not bound to an atom.
- Metals conduct electricity well because they have many free electrons.
- Valence electron: An electron in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in forming chemical bonds.
- The number of valence electrons determines an element's reactivity.
Noun
- an elementary particle with negative charge