Length · Unit Converter

Convert Classical Electron Radius to Angstrom

Convert classical electron radii to angstroms instantly. 1 classical electron radius = 2.81794e-5 angstrom — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Angstrom to Classical Electron Radius converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Atomic / Physics

Classical Electron Radius

What is a classical electron radius?

The classical electron radius is approximately 2.818×10⁻¹⁵ meters. It is the radius an electron would have if its mass were entirely electromagnetic and its charge distributed over its surface.

Origin of the classical electron radius

Defined classically in the early 20th century. The CODATA 2018 value of 2.8179403262×10⁻¹⁵ m is derived from the elementary charge, electron rest mass, and the Coulomb constant.

Where it is used

The classical electron radius appears in scattering theory (Thomson scattering cross-section), particle physics estimates, and historical electromagnetism. It is a calculational tool, not the actual size of an electron, which has no measured extent.

When and where it was developed

Concept dates to the early 20th-century classical electromagnetism; CODATA 2018 provides the current reference value.

Atomic / Physics

Angstrom

What is a angstrom?

An angstrom is a unit of length equal to exactly 10⁻¹⁰ meters (0.1 nm). Named after Swedish physicist Anders Jonas Ångström, it is the traditional unit for atomic and molecular dimensions in chemistry and crystallography.

Origin of the angstrom

Defined in 1907 as exactly 10⁻¹⁰ m. Although officially deprecated by the BIPM in favor of the nanometer in 1978, the angstrom remains in widespread use in chemistry and crystallography.

Where it is used

Angstroms express bond lengths (typical covalent bond is 1–2 Å), atomic radii, crystal lattice parameters, and X-ray wavelengths. Standard in chemistry textbooks and crystallographic data tables.

When and where it was developed

Named after Anders Jonas Ångström; defined at 10⁻¹⁰ m in 1907; deprecated as SI by BIPM in 1978 but retained universally in chemistry practice.

Classical Electron Radius to Angstrom conversion formula

The relationship between classical electron radii and angstroms:

1 rₑ = 2.81794e-5 Å
1 Å = 35486.9118661751 rₑ

To convert classical electron radii to angstroms, multiply the value in classical electron radii by 2.81794e-5. To reverse, multiply angstroms by 35486.9118661751.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in angstroms updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Angstrom to Classical Electron Radius converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert classical electron radii to angstroms

  1. Write down the value in classical electron radii (rₑ).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 2.81794e-5.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in angstroms (Å).
  4. To reverse, multiply the angstrom value by 35486.9118661751.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 rₑ to Å:
1 × 2.81794e-5 = 2.81794e-5 Å

Example 2 — Convert 100 rₑ to Å:
100 × 2.81794e-5 = 0.0028179403 Å

Real-world example — Wavelengths across the spectrum

Optical and atomic-scale phenomena are routinely cross-converted between sub-micron units. A photon of wavelength 800 classical electron radii can be re-expressed in angstroms for direct comparison with another instrument's calibration data sheet.

800 rₑ × 2.81794e-5 = 0.0225435226 Å

Real-world example — Molecular dimensions

The diameter of small molecular structures (around 2 classical electron radii) is often converted into related sub-micron units when comparing measurements across different microscopy techniques or imaging modalities.

2 rₑ × 2.81794e-5 = 5.635881e-5 Å

Classical Electron Radius to Angstrom conversion table

Standard reference values for converting classical electron radii to angstroms:

Classical Electron Radius [rₑ]Angstrom [Å]
0.012.81794e-7
0.12.81794e-6
12.81794e-5
25.635881e-5
38.453821e-5
40.0001127176
50.000140897
100.000281794
200.0005635881
300.0008453821
400.0011271761
500.0014089702
1000.0028179403
5000.0140897016
10000.0281794033

Frequently asked questions

How many angstroms is 1 classical electron radius?
1 classical electron radius equals 2.81794e-5 angstrom.
How do I convert classical electron radii to angstroms?
Multiply the value in classical electron radii by 2.81794e-5 to get angstroms.
How do I convert angstroms back to classical electron radii?
Multiply the value in angstroms by 35486.9118661751, or use the Angstrom to Classical Electron Radius converter.
How many angstroms is 100 classical electron radii?
100 classical electron radii equals 0.0028179403 angstroms, because 100 × 2.81794e-5 = 0.0028179403.

Convert Classical Electron Radius to other length units

Show all Classical Electron Radius conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 rₑ = 2.81794e-5 Å) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.