2006-11-24 11:02:53 · 4 answers · asked by mrs_reptile2000 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Usually electrons are paired up, but sometimes you will get unpaired (single) electrons sticking out of a molecule.
These things are highly unstable and reactive because electrons like to be in pairs. Because it involves taking/losing of electrons, it is a redox reaction. When these get in our bodies they do all sorts of awful things like give you cancer :) That's why we like to eat antioxidants.
2006-11-24 11:20:28 · answer #1 · answered by Kerahna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lone electron.
Electrons typically come in pairs, but when introduced to varying stresses a molecule can lose one and become a free radical. These free radicals are highly unstable and VERY reactive because electrons are much happier in pairs.
2006-11-24 11:59:28 · answer #2 · answered by Arashi K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A molecule with unpaired electrons
2006-11-24 11:05:54 · answer #3 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hippie who escaped from jail.
2006-11-24 11:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by hznfrst 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋