Origin of Charges: Electron & Proton Charges

In summary, electrons and protons have opposite charges, with electrons having a negative charge and protons having a positive charge. This allows us to correctly classify them in terms of their charges. The charge characteristics of subatomic particles are caused by other particles within them, and all particles have the same charge sign when it comes to gravity. Experiments have shown that the electric charge of an electron and proton are equal in modulus, with the positive and negative signs being a matter of convention.
  • #1
ron_jay
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An electron has a negative charge and a proton has a positive charge, we say. Meaning that both are opposites of each other in terms of their charges. Consider a hypothetical situation in which there are only electrons having originally negative charge in a certain universal space and we are unaware of this charge characteristic of the electron; then how would we ever know that it indeed has this kind of negative charge? Had it not been for the proton having a positive charge we could not have correctly classified them both, either ways. Therefore, which other subatomic particles of which these are composed of causes them to have charge characteristics and the subsequent electrostatic forces?
 
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  • #2
As far as gravity goes, the charge of all particles is of the same sign.
 
  • #3
Experiments show that in modulus the electric charge of an electron is equal to that of a proton. Which is + and which is - is a matter of convention.
 

1. What is the origin of electron and proton charges?

The origin of electron and proton charges lies in the fundamental nature of these particles. Electrons have a negative charge and protons have a positive charge, and these charges are a fundamental property of each particle.

2. How were the charges of electrons and protons discovered?

The charges of electrons and protons were discovered through various experiments and observations. One of the key experiments was performed by J.J. Thomson in 1897, in which he used a cathode ray tube to demonstrate the presence of negatively charged particles (electrons) in atoms. Later, in 1911, Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment which showed that atoms have a small, positively charged nucleus (protons).

3. What is the difference between the charge of an electron and a proton?

The main difference between the charge of an electron and a proton is their magnitude. The charge of an electron is -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs, while the charge of a proton is +1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs. Additionally, electrons have a negative charge while protons have a positive charge.

4. Can the charges of electrons and protons be changed?

No, the charges of electrons and protons cannot be changed. These charges are inherent to each particle and cannot be altered. However, through certain processes such as ionization, atoms can gain or lose electrons, resulting in a net change in charge.

5. How do the charges of electrons and protons affect the behavior of matter?

The charges of electrons and protons play a crucial role in determining the behavior of matter. For example, the attraction between the positive charge of protons and negative charge of electrons holds atoms together, allowing for the formation of molecules and larger structures. The repulsion between like charges also explains why certain materials can conduct electricity, while others cannot.

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