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How big is an Electron (Classical)?

An Electron (Classical) is 5.64 femtometers

Discovering the Electron’s Size: A Tiny Wonder

Have you ever wondered how small an electron really is? To give you an idea, let’s take a journey into the fascinating world of atomic physics. We’ll be exploring the size of an electron, one of the tiniest particles that make up everything we see around us. Despite its small size, the electron plays a vital role in the structure and function of the universe. Even though we can’t see electrons with our naked eyes, they are everywhere! They’re in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even inside us, making up the atoms in our bodies.

The Size of an Electron

Scientists define the size of an electron using a term called the ‘classical electron radius.’ This isn’t a physical size, like the dimensions of a ball or a cube. Instead, it’s a scientific way of describing how the electron interacts with the world around it, especially when it comes to electromagnetic radiation (like light). The classical electron radius is incredibly small. When measured, it comes out to be about 2.8179403227 x 10^-15 meters. To put it in perspective, if an electron was the size of a grain of sand, then a meter would be as long as 100,000 Earths lined up side by side!

Size Comparison: Electron vs. Other Particles

To understand just how small an electron is, it helps to compare it with other particles:

  • Compared to a Proton: A proton is another particle found in the nucleus of an atom. The radius of a proton is several times larger than the classical electron radius. If a proton were the size of a marble, an electron would be so small, it would be nearly impossible to see!
  • Compared to a Atom: An atom is made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The size of an atom is primarily determined by the space where its electrons move around the nucleus. If an atom was as large as a football field, the nucleus would be about the size of a pea, and the electron would be even smaller, nearly impossible to see even with a microscope!

Why The Size Matters

You might wonder why the size of an electron is important. Well, understanding the size and behavior of electrons helps scientists in many fields. For instance, chemists use this knowledge to understand how atoms combine to form molecules, which is the basis of all chemical reactions. Physicists use it to study the fundamental forces and particles of the universe. And engineers use it to design and build electronic devices like computers, televisions, and smartphones.

Key Points to Remember

  • The ‘classical electron radius’ is a scientific term used to describe the size of an electron. It’s about 2.8179403227 x 10^-15 meters.
  • The radius of a proton is several times larger than the classical electron radius.
  • The size of an atom is primarily determined by the space where its electrons move around the nucleus.
  • Understanding the size and behavior of electrons is crucial in various scientific fields, from chemistry and physics to engineering. While the size of an electron might be incredibly small, its impact on our world is enormous. So, the next time you switch on a light, use your smartphone, or look at the stars, remember the tiny but mighty electron!
Smaller By Category
Helium Nucleus
The helium nucleus is thousands of times smaller than the atom, like a marble in a football field. The only reason matter feels solid is because atoms repel. If atoms didn't repel, everything would fall through each other!
Proton
Protons are found within an atom's nucleus. They are thousands of times smaller than the atom itself. They have two up quarks and one down quark. Therefore, the proton's charge is +2/3+2/3-1/3 = +1.
Neutron
Neutrons are found within an atom's nucleus. They are thousands of times smaller than the atom itself. They have two down quarks and one up quark. Therefore, the neutron's charge is -1/3-1/3+2/3 = 0.
Larger By Category
Chlorine Nucleus
A chlorine nucleus has 17 protons and anywhere from 11 to 34 neutrons. However, the majority of these isotopes will decay within minutes, if not seconds! The only stable isotopoes are chlorine-35 (18 neutrons) and chlorine-37 (20 neutrons). Even numbers of neutrons (especially magic numbers 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126) tend to be more stable than odd ones.
Uranium Nucleus
Uranium is the heaviest natural element. It also has the largest nucleus of all the natural elements. Uranium-238, the most common isotope of uranium, has a half-life of 4.5 billion years, approximately the time the Earth has existed.
Gamma Ray Wavelength
Gamma rays have a very high frequency. They can come from radioactive decay. Oh, and by the way, it's not actually light blue as it appears to the left.