Electrons are needed in an atom because they balance the positive charge of the protons in the nucleus, maintaining the overall electrical neutrality of the atom. Electrons also determine the chemical behavior and reactivity of an atom by participating in chemical bonds with other atoms.
Chat with our AI personalities
Forcing electrons to flow from atom to atom creates an electrical current. This flow of electrons can be harnessed to generate electricity in circuits and power devices.
Electrons are bound inside an electrostatic potential well around the nucleus; ext. energy is needed for the electron to escape.
When all electrons in an atom are in orbitals with the lowest possible energy, the atom is in its ground state. This is the most stable arrangement for the electrons in an atom.
No, electrons are not found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom in specific energy levels. The nucleus of an atom consists of protons and neutrons.
Electrons in the highest energy level of an atom are called valence electrons. These electrons are involved in chemical bonding and determining the reactivity of the atom.