Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An electron is a subatomic particle that carries a negative charge and orbits around the nucleus of an atom.
Related terms
Valence Electrons: Valence electrons are electrons located in the outermost shell or energy level of an atom. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding.
Electron Configuration: Electron configuration refers to how electrons are arranged within different energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus.
Ionization Energy: Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ionize it.