Electrons are fundamental [[Leptons|leptons]] with electric charge \(-1e\). They are stable, very [[Light|light]] compared with protons and [[Neutrons|neutrons]], and are essential to chemistry, electricity, and most everyday matter interactions.

## In atoms
- Electrons occupy quantized energy states around atomic nuclei.
- When an electron changes from a higher to a lower energy state, the atom can emit a [[Photon|photon]] whose energy matches the level difference.
- The reverse process can absorb a photon and raise an electron to a higher state.

## Wave–particle behavior
Like all quantum objects, electrons show both particle-like and wave-like behavior:
- They are detected as localized interaction events (particle-like).
- Their motion is described by a wavefunction and can show interference (wave-like).

## Why they matter
- Chemical bonds and molecular structure are electron phenomena.
- Electric current is the organized motion of electrons in conductors.
- Many technologies (electronics, lasers, imaging, materials science) rely on controlling electron states.

## See also
- [[Atom]]
- [[Electromagnetic Radiation]]
- [[Photon]]
- [[Neutrinos]]
- [[Protons]]