Difference between revisions of "Electron"
(as point particles) |
m (This edit consists of a correction and some minor rewording.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | An '''electron''' is | + | An '''electron''' is a subatomic particles of spin 1/2. It couples with photons and, thus, is electrically charged. It is a [[lepton]] with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and an electric charge of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest known charge possible for an isolated particle (confined [[quarks]] have fractional charge). The electric charge of the electron ''e'' is used as a unit of charge in much of [[physics]]. |
| − | + | 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. | |
| + | |||
| + | Current theories consider the electron as a point particle, as no evidence for internal structure has been observed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | As a theoretical construct, electrons 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 01:42, March 11, 2012
An electron is a subatomic particles of spin 1/2. It couples with photons and, thus, is electrically charged. It is a lepton with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and an electric charge of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest known charge possible for an isolated particle (confined quarks have fractional charge). The electric charge of the electron e is used as a unit of charge in much of physics.
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.
Current theories consider the electron as a point particle, as no evidence for internal structure has been observed.
As a theoretical construct, electrons have been able to explain other observed phenomena, such as the shell-like structure of an atom[1], energy distribution around an atom[2], and energy beams (electron and positron beams)[3].
References
- ↑ 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.