Electrons are Usually in Shells
Electrons are often (but not always) found in atoms. When an electron is in an atom, it behaves as if it is located in one of as many as seven shells surrounding the nucleus of the atom.
Because electrons are located in shells outside of atomic nuclei, they are sometimes very easy to remove from the atoms in which they reside. Once an electron is free from its atom, it can easily move around. For this reason, electrons are usually the charged particles involved in heat conduction and electric current. In some cases, protons (located in the nuclei of atoms) can be involved in the above processes.
Because electrons are located in shells outside of atomic nuclei, they are sometimes very easy to remove from the atoms in which they reside. Once an electron is free from its atom, it can easily move around. For this reason, electrons are usually the charged particles involved in heat conduction and electric current. In some cases, protons (located in the nuclei of atoms) can be involved in the above processes.
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You can see a model of the francium atom at the left from www.webelements.com. The nucleus is the small silver dot located at the center of the atom. The gold dots are the electrons surrounding the nucleus. Notice: The electrons are located in seven shells surrounding the nucleus. Not all atoms have enough electrons for seven shells; most atoms have fewer than seven shells.
Click HERE to learn more about the element francium from webelements.com. |