Difference between revisions of "Electron"
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| − | An '''electron''' is one of the fundamental subatomic particles which exists with a negative electrical charge and | + | An '''electron''' is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which exists with a negative electrical charge and mass which 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. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:33, November 21, 2009
An electron is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which exists with a negative electrical charge and mass which 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.
References
- ↑ Gribbin: Q is for Quantum