Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Free electrons are electrons that are not bound to atoms and can move freely within a conductive material. They play a crucial role in the conduction of electricity.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Free electrons are primarily found in conductors such as metals.
The movement of free electrons constitutes an electric current in conductive materials.
In insulators, there are very few or no free electrons available to conduct electricity.
The presence of free electrons explains why metals can efficiently transfer electric charge.
Thermal energy can increase the number of free electrons by freeing them from their atomic bonds.