The electron is the smallest part of an atom and has the most important job. The electrons orbit the nucleus of the atom keeping the atom together and ready to react with other atoms that pass by. Electrons are FAST. Scientists still have not been able to spot an electron or where it is at a singular moment in time. They zip around in "shells" and a "cloud" area around the atom. Electricity is basically the exchange of electrons in a stream called a current through a conducting medium, like water, air, gases, metals. In most cases the medium is a conductor. In the case of static electricity, a stream of electrons travels through the medium of air. Knowing about electrons has helped science understand how the Earth's magnetic field works and electrical fields work. Thanks to Erin Schrodinger's model of electron clouds, scientists don't believe electrons follow a certain path around the atom. The model shows that electrons can be anywhere around the electron in "shells". Understanding the shells position around the nucleus, scientists can theorize or hypothesize where the electrons are and complete experiments. They have been very successful using this model of electron shells. Where the cloud is most dense around the nucleus is where the electrons may be. There is so much more to learn about atoms. The Hadron Collider is the largest proton particle smasher created. Scientists are learning more and more about our Universe by chasing protons and smashing them. Could you imagine being a part of that operation and some of the questions you would try and test??
Wowza!
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |