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An '''electron''' is one of the fundamental subatomic particles, which has a negative electrical charge and a mass that is much smaller than that of protons or neutrons. It is a [[lepton]] with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and carries a [[charge]] of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest possible amount of charge a particle can carry. Therefore, the charge on an electron ''e'' is used as the fundamental quantum of charge in much of [[physics]]. An electron has a spin of 1/2 and obeys Fermi-Dirac Statistics.<ref>Gribbin: ''Q is for Quantum''</ref> Electron pairs within an orbital system have opposite spins due to the [[Pauli exclusion principle]]; this characteristic spin pairing allows electrons to exist in the same quantum orbital, as the opposing magnetic dipole moments induced by each of the electrons ensures that they are attracted together.

An '''electron''' is a subatomic particles of spin 1/2. It couples with photons and, thus, is electrically charged. It is a [[lepton]] with a rest mass of <math>9.109*10^{-31}</math>kg and an electric charge of <math>-1.602*10^{-19}</math> C, which is the smallest known charge possible for an isolated particle (confined [[quarks]] have fractional charge). The electric charge of the electron ''e'' is used as a unit of charge in much of [[physics]].  

Electrons have never been directly observed, and thus it cannot be confirmed that they actually exist as point particles. However, as a theoretical construct they have been able to explain other observed phenomena, such as the shell-like structure of an atom<ref>Massimi, M. (2005). ''Pauli's Exclusion Principle, The Origin and Validation of a Scientific Principle.'' Cambridge University Press. pp. 7–8</ref>, energy distribution around an atom<ref>Mauritsson, J.. "Electron filmed for the first time ever". Lunds Universitet. Retrieved 2008-09-17. http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/research/attosecond_physics</ref>, and energy beams (electron and positron beams)<ref>Chao, A.W.; Tigner, M. (1999). ''Handbook of Accelerator Physics and Engineering.'' World Scientific. pp. 155, 188. ISBN 981-02-3500-3.</ref>.

Electron pairs within an orbital system have opposite spins due to the [[Pauli exclusion principle]]; this characteristic spin pairing allows electrons to exist in the same quantum orbital, as the opposing magnetic dipole moments induced by each of the electrons ensures that they are attracted together.

 

Current theories consider the electron as a point particle, as no evidence for internal structure has been observed.

 

As a theoretical construct, electrons have been able to explain other observed phenomena, such as the shell-like structure of an atom<ref>Massimi, M. (2005). ''Pauli's Exclusion Principle, The Origin and Validation of a Scientific Principle.'' Cambridge University Press. pp. 7–8</ref>, energy distribution around an atom<ref>Mauritsson, J.. "Electron filmed for the first time ever". Lunds Universitet. Retrieved 2008-09-17. http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/research/attosecond_physics</ref>, and energy beams (electron and positron beams)<ref>Chao, A.W.; Tigner, M. (1999). ''Handbook of Accelerator Physics and Engineering.'' World Scientific. pp. 155, 188. ISBN 981-02-3500-3.</ref>.

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