What is an Electron? An Accessible Guide to Its History, Theory, and Physical Properties

This book offers an in-depth exploration of one of the fundamental particles that has shaped our understanding of the physical world and revolutionized technology, combining historical narrative with rigorous scientific analysis to provide a comprehensive account of the electron.

Starting from the early atomic models of Democritus and Dalton, the book traces the journey through key experiments such as J.J. Thomson's discovery of the electron, Rutherford's model, and Bohr's contributions. It discusses how these foundational experiments and theories have paved the way for modern quantum mechanics.

Each chapter looks at significant milestones, from the photoelectric effect and the discovery of electron spin to quantum tunneling and entanglement. The book also addresses the electron’s strange properties and its relatives, such as positrons, muons, and tau particles, providing a detailed examination of their roles in the broader context of quantum field theory.

The author draws from original sources to ensure accuracy and authenticity, making this work a reliable reference for students and enthusiasts alike. The text is written in accessible language, carefully explaining complex concepts without overwhelming the reader with intricate mathematical formulations.

With many illustrative figures, "What is an Electron?" serves as an essential resource for undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, and materials science, as well as for scientifically-curious readers eager to understand the profound implications of electron behavior in quantum mechanics and modern technology.

Chapter 1.Discovering the electron. From Dalton to Bohr, evolving theories and models.- Chapter 2.The quantum nature of the electron.- Chapter 3.Knowledge is the son of experience. From theory to experiments.- Chapter 4.The mystery of the constants.- Chapter 5.A dual and quantum nature.- Chapter 6.From the single electron to spin.- Chapter 7.Strange Relatives, Positrons, Muons and Tau.- Chapter 8.Virtual particles, quasiparticles and quantum fields.

Prof. Plinio Innocenzi is a distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the University of Sassari, where he also directs the Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology. He earned his doctorate in Physics from the University of Padova and has held prestigious positions as an associate foreign researcher at Kyoto University and a visiting professor at the Sorbonne University, Osaka Prefecture University, and Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

Prof. Innocenzi has served as the science counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Beijing from 2010 to 2018. His contributions to the field have earned him a place in Stanford University's list of the top 2% most influential researchers. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a member of the European Academy of Sciences, as well as an associate editor of the Springer Journal of Nanoparticle Research.

With over 230 scientific articles and multiple books on popular science to his name, Prof. Innocenzi combines deep expertise with a commitment to making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. His work spans from detailed studies on materials science to engaging narratives on the history and development of key scientific ideas.