Abstract

LOPEZ CARRILLO, Alejandra  and  CHAMIZO GUERRERO, José Antonio. On the multiple personality of a corpuscle. Educ. quím [online]. 2023, vol.34, n.1, pp.188-203.  Epub May 26, 2023. ISSN 0187-893X.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fq.18708404e.2023.1.82761.

The existence of a chemical and a physical atom has been discussed by several historians of science, as well as science education researchers (Izquierdo, 2010; Schütt, 2008; Kohler, 1971), to recover the explanatory processes in which this entity has been involved in the problems of each discipline. This analysis has evidenced not only the different interests, aspirations and methodologies pursued by the practice of chemistry and physics, but also the ontological status acquired by the entities because of the development of their theoretical tools. This article shows an overview of the process of construction of the first identified subatomic particle -the electron- and the role it played in the theoretical and experimental practices that were structured around it. We intend to argue that we can also refer to a chemical and a physical electron by analyzing the appropriation of the electron in the practice of physics and chemistry. The purpose of this historical analysis is to confer a deeper recognition to the chemical meaning of this entity, which will have repercussions in our teaching and learning processes.

Keywords : Electron; Chemical bond; history of sciences; reaction mechanisms; electricity; quantum chemistry.