Exciting Electrons

What are electrons?

Electrons are negatively charged particles found in atoms.

Atoms consist of protons and neutrons inside their nucleus and electrons circling the nucleus.

There is a lot of empty space in an atom. Imagine an atom like a pea in the Albert Hall (which is about the size of a football pitch). Electrons would be grains of sand circling the Albert Hall.

One very simple view of the structure of atoms is given below:

Different elements have different numbers of protons, this is what gives each element its unique set of characteristics.

Electrons are negatively charged and protons are positively charged. Therefore in atoms where the number of electrons equals the numbers of protons the atoms are neutral in charge.

If an atom has fewer electrons than protons then it will have an overall positive charge and is called a positive ion, or cation.

If an atom has more electrons than protons then it will have an overall negative charge and is called a negative ion, or anion.

Next - Where are Electrons?


What are electrons? - Where are Electrons? - Electrons in Molecules - How big are electrons? - Exciting Electrons using LIGHT - Exciting Electrons using ELECTRICITY - Exciting Electrons using CHEMICALS - Oxidation & Reduction - Oxidation Experiment - Sodium & Water - Reduction Experiment - Potassium Permanganate Volcano - Oxidation experiment - Ammonia - What is Electricity?

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