An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle. Electrons move around the nucleus of an atom in a space called an electron cloud. Electrons do not have predictable orbits- like planets around a Sun- instead they zip and zoom in many different directions. This is why thier orbit is called an “electron cloud.” It is irregularly shaped.
The electron cloud is a probability region where an electron is likely to be found. Think of a fast moving helicopter propeller. When moving the blades of the propeller create a blurred region of space, that is still made up of individual blades. Electrons have very small mass and are important for bonding of different atoms.
Useful Links:
The animation below shows electron motion:
http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=080222-ElectronRide
To learn more about electrons and their orbitals:
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=151118
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Word of the Week: Electron
