No, electrons do not have protons at their core like atoms do. Electrons are fundamental particles and are considered elementary particles, meaning they are not composed of smaller constituents.
Atoms consist of a central nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by orbiting electrons. Electrons are negatively charged particles that occupy specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus. They play a crucial role in determining the chemical and physical properties of atoms.
The reason electrons are called electrons is due to historical reasons. The term "electron" was introduced by the physicist George Johnstone Stoney in 1891, who proposed the name for the fundamental unit of electric charge. The term "electron" was derived from the Greek word "ēlektron," which means "amber." Amber is a substance that can generate static electricity when rubbed, and it was known for its ability to attract lightweight objects, like bits of paper. The term "electron" was chosen to represent the fundamental unit of electric charge, which was later discovered to be carried by the negatively charged particle found in atoms.
While electrons and protons are both charged particles, they have opposite charges. Electrons have a negative charge, while protons have a positive charge. The presence of electrons around the atomic nucleus helps to balance the positive charge carried by the protons, resulting in a neutral atom overall.