An electron is an elementary constituent of matter which exists independently or as a component outside the nucleus of an atom and it carries a negative charge.
Electrons may exist freely when not attached to an atom but when bound to the nucleus of an atom, electrons are found in spherical shells of various radii surrounding the nucleus. Electrons of an atom altogether create a negative charge which balances the positive charge of the protons in the nucleus of the atom.
Electrons play a significant role in the formation of chemical bonds. When an electron is transferred from one atom to the other, it leads to the creation of two ions. This is called electrovalent bonding. When electrons are actually shared between two or more atoms in a cloud it is referred to as covalent bonding.
In solids, electrons are mainly responsible for carrying current, since they are smaller than protons and can easily stream through wires and circuits. In liquids, ions are responsible for carrying current.
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