Fundamental unit of charge (e)

Definition

The fundamental unit of charge (e) is the smallest unit of electric charge that is considered indivisible in chemistry and physics, quantified as approximately $1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ coulombs. It represents the charge of a single proton or the negative of the charge of a single electron.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fundamental unit of charge (e) is approximately $1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ coulombs.
2. It is the basic building block for understanding electric charges in atoms and molecules.
3. Protons have a positive charge of +e, while electrons have a negative charge of -e.
4. The net charge of an atom is determined by the balance between protons and electrons.
5. In ionic compounds, ions carry charges that are multiples of e.

Review Questions

Related terms

Proton:

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus with a positive electric charge equal to +e.

Electron:

A subatomic particle with a negative electric charge equal to -e, found outside the nucleus.

Ion: An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.