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electron (e-lek´tron) any of the negatively charged particles arranged in orbits around the nucleus of an atom; electrons determine all of the atom's physical and chemical properties except mass and radioactivity. Electrons flowing in a conductor constitute an electric current; when ejected from a radioactive substance, they are beta particles. Electrons greatly influence the behavior of one atom toward other atoms. The combination of various elements to form compounds is brought about by the losing or gaining of electrons, sometimes called “sharing” of electrons.
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