Difference between revisions of "Electron"
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| − | An '''electron''' is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which | + | An '''electron''' is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which has a negative electrical charge and a mass that is much smaller than that of protons or neutrons. It is a [[lepton]] with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and carries a [[charge]] of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest possible amount of charge a particle can carry. Therefore, the charge on an electron ''e'' is used as the fundamental quantum of charge in much of [[physics]]. An electron has a spin of 1/2 and obeys Fermi-Dirac Statistics.<ref>Gribbin: ''Q is for Quantum''</ref> Electron pairs within an orbital system have opposite spins due to the [[Pauli exclusion principle]]; this characteristic spin pairing allows electrons to exist in the same quantum orbital, as the opposing magnetic dipole moments induced by each of the electrons ensures that they are attracted together. |
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| + | Electrons have never been directly observed, and thus it cannot be confirmed that they actually exist; however, as a theoretical construct they have been able to explain other observed phenomena, such as the shell-like structure of an atom<ref>Massimi, M. (2005). ''Pauli's Exclusion Principle, The Origin and Validation of a Scientific Principle.'' Cambridge University Press. pp. 7–8</ref>, energy distribution around an atom<ref>Mauritsson, J.. "Electron filmed for the first time ever". Lunds Universitet. Retrieved 2008-09-17. http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/research/attosecond_physics</ref>, and energy beams (electron and positron beams)<ref>Chao, A.W.; Tigner, M. (1999). ''Handbook of Accelerator Physics and Engineering.'' World Scientific. pp. 155, 188. ISBN 981-02-3500-3.</ref>. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 03:52, October 7, 2011
An electron is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which has a negative electrical charge and a mass that is much smaller than that of protons or neutrons. It is a lepton with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and carries a charge of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest possible amount of charge a particle can carry. Therefore, the charge on an electron e is used as the fundamental quantum of charge in much of physics. An electron has a spin of 1/2 and obeys Fermi-Dirac Statistics.[1] Electron pairs within an orbital system have opposite spins due to the Pauli exclusion principle; this characteristic spin pairing allows electrons to exist in the same quantum orbital, as the opposing magnetic dipole moments induced by each of the electrons ensures that they are attracted together.
Electrons have never been directly observed, and thus it cannot be confirmed that they actually exist; however, as a theoretical construct they have been able to explain other observed phenomena, such as the shell-like structure of an atom[2], energy distribution around an atom[3], and energy beams (electron and positron beams)[4].
References
- ↑ Gribbin: Q is for Quantum
- ↑ Massimi, M. (2005). Pauli's Exclusion Principle, The Origin and Validation of a Scientific Principle. Cambridge University Press. pp. 7–8
- ↑ Mauritsson, J.. "Electron filmed for the first time ever". Lunds Universitet. Retrieved 2008-09-17. http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/research/attosecond_physics
- ↑ Chao, A.W.; Tigner, M. (1999). Handbook of Accelerator Physics and Engineering. World Scientific. pp. 155, 188. ISBN 981-02-3500-3.