Electron

Definition

A negatively charged particle that exists outside the nucleus and is the only particle that participates in chemistry.

In a neutral atom electrons exactly balance protons, one negative charge per positive one. Unlike protons and neutrons, electrons move, rearrange, are shared or transferred, and are distorted by their surroundings. These movements determine bonding, dissolution, precipitation, corrosion, and whether a system stays stable or drifts toward failure.

Related concepts

Neutron · Proton · Valence electrons

How it connects

• this enables Valence electrons

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry