Negative charge

Definition

A negative charge is a property of certain subatomic particles, such as electrons, that causes them to repel other negatively charged particles and attract positively charged particles. This fundamental concept plays a crucial role in understanding electric forces and fields, particularly in the context of interactions between charged objects and the behavior of materials in an electric field.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Negative charge is commonly associated with electrons, which are elementary particles with a fundamental negative charge value of approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs.
2. Like charges repel each other, meaning that two negatively charged objects will push away from one another, while opposite charges attract, resulting in attraction between negative and positive charges.
3. In atoms, negatively charged electrons orbit around a positively charged nucleus, which consists of protons and neutrons, creating a balance that holds the atom together.
4. The concept of negative charge is essential for understanding electrical phenomena such as static electricity, electric currents, and electromagnetic interactions.
5. Negative charge can be transferred between objects through processes such as friction (triboelectric effect), conduction, or induction, leading to various electrostatic effects.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of a negative charge affect the interactions between charged objects?
  • The presence of a negative charge significantly influences how charged objects interact with one another. According to the principle that like charges repel and opposite charges attract, two negatively charged objects will push away from each other while a negatively charged object will be attracted to a positively charged object. This behavior is critical in understanding electric forces as described by Coulomb's Law and helps explain phenomena such as static electricity.
• Discuss how negative charge is involved in the structure of an atom and its implications for chemical bonding.
  • In an atom, negatively charged electrons occupy regions around the positively charged nucleus made up of protons. The balance between these opposing charges keeps the electrons bound to the nucleus. This arrangement is vital for chemical bonding because it allows atoms to interact with each other by either sharing or transferring electrons, leading to various types of bonds like covalent and ionic bonds. The behavior of these electrons determines the chemical properties of elements and compounds.
• Evaluate the role of negative charge in electrical phenomena such as static electricity and electric circuits.
  • Negative charge plays a fundamental role in various electrical phenomena, including static electricity and electric circuits. In static electricity, an imbalance of charges due to friction leads to excess negative charge on an object, which can cause it to attract or repel other objects. In electric circuits, the flow of negatively charged electrons through conductive materials creates an electric current, allowing energy to be transmitted and utilized. Understanding how negative charges move and interact with other charges is essential for designing efficient electrical systems and devices.

Related terms

Coulomb's Law: A mathematical formula that describes the force between two charged objects, stating that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Electric Field: A region around a charged object where other charged objects experience a force due to the electric charge present.

Proton: A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, which interacts with negatively charged electrons to create atomic structures.