Are electrons negative by default?

In summary, the convention of labeling electrons as negatively charged originates from Benjamin Franklin's experiments on static electricity. This convention is used in electrical circuits, where it is assumed that electrons move from positive to negative terminals.
  • #1
IchibanNoodle
2
0
Are electrons negative to anything? Did we notice two different charges and decide to label them like we did with left and right?

I'm very curious to know why we brand electrons as negatively charged.
 
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  • #2
Strictly convention.

For example, the convention in electrical circuits is to assume the electrons move from +ve to -ve terminals. This would only happen if the electrons were positively charged.
 
  • #3
IchibanNoodle said:
I'm very curious to know why we brand electrons as negatively charged.

It goes back to Benjamin Franklin's experiments on what we call "static electricity", although he didn't know about electrons:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3888392#post3888392
 

1. Why do electrons have a negative charge?

Electrons have a negative charge because they are fundamental particles that carry a unit of negative electric charge. This charge is equal in magnitude to the positive charge of a proton, but with an opposite sign.

2. How do we know that electrons are negative?

Electrons were first discovered and identified as negatively charged particles by British physicist J.J. Thomson in the late 19th century through his experiments with cathode ray tubes. Since then, numerous experiments and observations have confirmed the negative charge of electrons.

3. What determines the charge of an electron?

The charge of an electron is determined by its fundamental property known as electric charge. This charge is a fundamental property of all matter and cannot be broken down into smaller particles. Electrons have a charge of -1, while protons have a charge of +1.

4. Why are electrons attracted to positively charged particles?

Electrons are attracted to positively charged particles because opposite charges attract each other according to the fundamental law of electricity: like charges repel, and opposite charges attract. Since electrons have a negative charge, they are attracted to positively charged particles, such as protons.

5. Can electrons have a positive charge?

No, electrons cannot have a positive charge. As mentioned earlier, the charge of an electron is a fundamental property that cannot be broken down into smaller units. Therefore, an electron will always carry a charge of -1 and cannot have a positive charge.

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