Meaning & use
electrons
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“electrons” is a form of “electron”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluraltechnicalphysics
Very small particles with a negative charge that move around the nucleus of an atom and carry electric current in wires.
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'electron'. It is a countable noun.
Patterns
- electrons in something
- electrons flow
- electrons are transferred
Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom in shells.
In a metal wire, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
When two atoms bond, they may share electrons.
Word forms
| singular | electron |
|---|
Common combinations
- electrons in an atom
- The number of electrons in an atom determines its chemical properties.
- flow of electrons
- Electric current is the flow of electrons through a conductor.
- electrons are transferred
- In an ionic bond, electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
- valence electrons
- The valence electrons are the ones involved in chemical bonding.
Word family
- electron noun
- The singular form, meaning one such particle.
- electronic adjective
- Relating to electrons or devices that use them.
- electronics noun
- The study or use of electronic devices.
Commonly confused: electrons or protons? electrons or neutrons?
electrons vs protons
Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, while electrons are negatively charged and orbit the nucleus.
electrons vs neutrons
Neutrons have no charge and are found in the nucleus, unlike electrons which are charged and outside the nucleus.
Practice
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of ___.
Choose one answer.
In a neutral atom, the positive charge of protons balances the negative charge of electrons, so their numbers are equal. Neutrons have no charge and their number can vary.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “electrons”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.