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Charge

Definition

Charge refers to an intrinsic property of matter that determines how it interacts with electromagnetic fields. It can be positive or negative, and like charges repel while opposite charges attract each other.

Analogy

Think of charge as tiny magnets on objects. Objects with like magnets facing each other will push away (repel), while objects with opposite magnets facing each other will pull together (attract).

Related terms

Electric Field: An electric field surrounds charged particles or objects and exerts forces on other charged particles within its influence.

Coulomb's Law: Coulomb's Law describes the force between two charged objects based on their magnitudes and distance apart. The force decreases as distance increases and increases with larger magnitudes of charge.

Conservation of Charge: The principle that states that electric charge cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred from one object to another or redistributed within an object.

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.