Electron

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An electron is an elementary particle that carries a negative elementary charge −e.[1]

e = 1.602 176 487 × 10-19 C

It is a spin-½ lepton of mass[2]

me= 9.109 382 15 × 10−31 kg.

It has a gyromagnetic ratio[3]

γe = 1.760 859 770 x 1011 s-1 T-1

or a magnetic moment of about −1.00115965 Bohr magneton (μB):[4]

μB = 927.400 915 x 10-26 J/ T.

Because of its small mass the motion of an electron must often be described by quantum mechanics or quantum electrodynamics. However, classical electrodynamics, describing the behavior of electrons in electromagnetic fields by the (classical) Maxwell equations, still has its use in electrical engineering and many branches of physics. Together with neutrons and protons in atomic nuclei, electrons constitute atoms and molecules. Their (quantum mechanical) interaction with electrons on nearby atoms causes chemical bonding in molecules, gases, liquids and solids, such as crystals.

References

  1. ↑ Elementary charge. The NIST reference on constants, units, and uncertainty. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Retrieved on 2011-03-28.
  2. ↑ Electron mass. The NIST reference on constants, units, and uncertainty. Retrieved on 2011-03-28.
  3. ↑ Electron gyromagnetic ratio. The NIST reference on constants, units, and uncertainty. Retrieved on 2011-03-28.
  4. ↑ Bohr magneton. The NIST reference on constants, units, and uncertainty. Retrieved on 2011-03-28.
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