The atom is arguably the most important particle in the study of science, as it makes up every substance, seen and unseen, in the universe. It is made of several, smaller particles, including protons, neutrons and electrons. Although protons and neutrons, which are made of smaller, even more fundamental particles, are interesting parts of the atom to study, the Elemental Flow arc takes a look at the negatively-charged electron.

Without electrons, no substance would exist as we know it today, including those substances that make up our bodies. The primary function of electrons is to give the atom a type of currency that can be used to control its energy. This makes electrons important for stability of the atom and, by extension, the stability of every substance in the universe.