What Electrons Do

It's What Electrons Do

Speaking of light (see last blog), that reminds me of a related, though unseen, thing that is still quite clearly the truth.  Electrons interact with other electrons in predictable ways.  I was never great in chemistry class, but lab was always my favorite part.

Simple experiments help to demonstrate that molecules and their accumulated atoms work together in dependably predictable ways. Having observed that caustic soda and powerful acids react in bubbly reaction to become harmless "salt water," I was able to safely neutralize a busted car battery that had spilled all over the driveway.  Though I used a whole box of baking soda mixed with water, I could have used a two liter Coke with similar results.

How is this related to light?  Well, those electrons, it turns out, are related to light.  While light is primarily "photons" that ride upon electromagnetic waves, electrons are bundles of that same energy that work by interacting with others in nearby atoms to create bonds that build chemicals of all sorts.  In the example above, bonds building Sodium bicarbonate together come apart "energetically" when introduced to Hydrochloric acid.  The resulting carbon dioxide (evident in the foaming liquid) produced the harmless salt water that I further diluted with with a garden hose leaving trace salt in the adjacent ground.

Electrons are probably best known as the power that "flows" through wires into billions of homes around the world.  These electrons are forced to line up and then are forced by magnetic pulses through the wires. Magnets have a mysterious relationship with the metals around them.  Their electrons flow in one direction until they escape briefly only to be pulled back.  This creates a "magnetic field" which is used to force electrons in the wires to line up and then to move a short distance, hoping from atom to atom.  The chain reaction perpetuates an electromagnetic field at near the speed of light towards a device that finally allows electrons to complete a circuit on the way to a positive ground.

I have learned that it is not a good idea to interfere with moving electrons -- whether in chemical reactions or electric circuits.  I've heard that chemical burns are worse than electrical burns.  But I'd just as soon not find out by experience.

So, what do I know?

• Electrons are tiny negatively charged particles.
• Chemical reactions happen when electrons meet.
• Electricity is when moving electrons create electromagnetic fields.