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electron
Electron (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does electron mean?
A fundamental particle of matter and one of the key building blocks of atoms.
"Electrons play a crucial role in the generation and transmission of electricity."
Detailed Meaning of Electron
It carries a negative electric charge and orbits around the nucleus of an atom. First discovered in the late 19th century, electrons play a crucial role in various phenomena, including electricity, magnetism, and chemical reactions. They are incredibly tiny, with a mass of about 9.11 x 10^-31 kilograms, and are considered to be elementary particles, meaning they are not composed of smaller constituents. Electrons exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties, displaying characteristics such as momentum, position, and energy. Their movements within atoms and their interactions with other electrons and atomic nuclei govern the behavior and properties of matter, making electrons essential in understanding the intricacies of the physical world.
Example Sentences for Electron
1. The electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge.
2. Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an atom.
3. Electrons are fundamental constituents of matter.
4. In electrical circuits, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
5. The behavior of electrons determines the chemical properties of elements.
6. Electrons can be found in different energy levels or shells within an atom.
Origin and Etymology of Electron
The noun 'electron' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'ēlektron,' which referred to amber. In ancient times, it was observed that when amber was rubbed with a cloth, it would attract small objects like bits of straw or feathers. This phenomenon was described using the term 'ēlektron,' which meant 'amber' or 'fossilized resin.' The connection between this natural substance and the fundamental particle we now know as the electron lies in the study of electricity. In the 19th century, as scientists were investigating electricity and its properties, they identified negatively charged particles as 'electrons' due to their association with the phenomena observed in the attraction of objects to amber. The name 'electron' was retained as the term for the fundamental, negatively charged subatomic particle and has become a cornerstone concept in the field of physics and chemistry.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun electron:
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More Usage Examples of Electron
1. Electrons can be excited to higher energy states through the absorption of energy.
2. Electrons exhibit wave-particle duality, displaying characteristics of both waves and particles.
3. The movement of electrons creates magnetic fields.
4. Electrons are responsible for the bonding of atoms in chemical compounds.
5. Electron microscopes use beams of electrons to magnify objects at a high resolution.
6. An electron orbits an atomic nucleus, forming bonds.
7. In conductors, an electron flows as electric current.
8. An electron exhibits dual wave-particle traits.
9. Quantum mechanics elucidates electron behavior.
10. An electron occupies energy levels within atoms.
11. Electron microscopy unveils nanoscale intricacies.
12. An electron's charge is fundamental and negative.
13. An electron determines an element's properties.
14. Electron clouds delineate atomic structure.
15. An electron emits photons during energy transitions.
16. An electron partakes in redox reactions.
17. Quantum tunnelling involves electron penetration.
18. An electron's spin is a quantum attribute.
19. Electrons repel due to similar charges.
20. An electron transfers energy in semiconductors.
21. An electron boasts negligible mass.
22. Superconductors expel magnetic fields via electron pairs.
23. An electron enables information storage in computers.
24. The electron volt quantifies particle energy.
25. An electron's behavior impacts material conductivity.
Synonyms and Related Words for Electron
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT