Editing Electrons

== what is an electron? ==
An '''electron''' is a subatomic particle with a negative electric charge. Electrons are found in orbitals or energy levels surrounding the [[nucleus]] of an [[atom]].

== basic properties ==
* symbol: e⁻  
* charge: -1  
* mass: ~1/1836 of a [[proton]]  
* location: outside the nucleus, in [[electron shells]]

== discovery ==
[[j.j. thomson]] discovered the electron in 1897 using cathode ray tube experiments. This was the first subatomic particle ever identified.

== role of electrons ==
* Balance the charge of [[protons]] in atoms  
* Involved in all [[chemical reactions]] and [[bonding]]  
* Define the [[ion]] state of an atom (e.g., losing or gaining electrons)  
* Determine the [[electron configuration]] and properties of elements

== electrons and chemical bonding ==
Electrons in the outer shell (valence electrons) are key to:
* [[covalent bonds]]  
* [[ionic bonds]]  
* [[metallic bonds]]

== electron cloud model ==
Instead of fixed orbits, modern quantum theory describes electrons as existing in a cloud of probabilities around the [[nucleus]].

== see also ==
* [[protons]]  
* [[neutrons]]  
* [[nucleus]]  
* [[electron configuration]]  
* [[valence electrons]]  
* [[j.j. thomson]]

== disclaimer ==
''This article is intended for [[educational]] and [[academic]] use only and supports learning in chemistry and physics within a MediaWiki-based environment.''