Q's about Electrons, protons, and neutrons

In summary, the charges of electrons and protons come from their inner quark structure, which results in a charge of +1e for protons and 0 for neutrons. The charge of -1e for electrons is a fundamental property. These charges were determined through experiments and are best explained by the Standard Model in particle physics. This topic would be better suited for a forum on Nuclear/Particle Physics rather than physical chemistry.
  • #1
gravenewworld
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This might be a dumb question, but in all my years of chemistry and physics studies I have never gotten an explanation of where electrons and protons get their charges from. I don't know if this is the right forum, maybe one of the physics forums might be better? Maybe a physical chemist can answer this question? why do protons and electrons have +/-1.6x10^-19 C of charge and neutrons have 0 charge?
 
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  • #2
The inner quark structure of the 2 baryons is of such nature that the charges add to +1e for proton and 0 for neutron. The electron has the charge -1e and is a fundamental particle.

You'll have to understand that experiments gave those results and from then on it was up to the theoretical physicists to come up with the best model to account for those experimental results. The SM is the best model so far for elementary particles & interactions.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Moving this to Particles ...

Gravenewworld : a physical chemist can not answer this question. It belongs in the realm of Nuclear/Particle Physics.
 

1. What are the three main subatomic particles?

The three main subatomic particles are electrons, protons, and neutrons. These particles make up the structure of an atom.

2. What is the charge of an electron?

An electron has a negative charge of -1. It is the smallest subatomic particle and is found orbiting the nucleus of an atom.

3. What is the charge of a proton?

A proton has a positive charge of +1. It is found in the nucleus of an atom and is about 1,836 times larger than an electron.

4. What is the mass of a neutron?

A neutron has a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). It is slightly larger than a proton and has no charge.

5. How are electrons, protons, and neutrons related to each other?

Electrons, protons, and neutrons are related because they are the three main subatomic particles that make up an atom. Electrons have a negative charge and are found outside the nucleus. Protons have a positive charge and are found in the nucleus. Neutrons have no charge and are also found in the nucleus.

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