Electric charge

Definition

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. Charges are either positive or negative and are measured in coulombs (C).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The SI unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C).
2. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge.
3. Like charges repel each other, whereas opposite charges attract.
4. The principle of conservation of charge states that the total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant.
5. Electric charge is quantized, meaning it comes in discrete amounts typically multiples of the elementary charge \( e = 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \) C.

Review Questions

• What is the SI unit for measuring electric charge?
• Explain the principle of conservation of electric charge.
• Why do like charges repel and opposite charges attract?

Related terms

Coulomb:

The SI unit of electric charge, equivalent to the quantity of electricity transported in one second by a current of one ampere.

Elementary Charge:

$e = 1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ C, which is the smallest unit of electric charge considered indivisible.

Electrostatic Force:

The force between charged objects described by Coulomb's law, where like charges repel and unlike charges attract.