Electric Charge- why is the electron the negative

In summary, the convention of assigning a positive value to the electron was established before it was discovered, leading to the current backwards understanding of electricity. This decision was based on a 50-50 chance and can be attributed to Benjamin Franklin. However, the sign of the majority charge carrier is not significant in understanding electricity and holding onto this convention is not necessary in understanding the topic in depth.
  • #1
coffeebird
15
0
Why wasn't the electron fixed with the 'positive' value? wouldn't that simplify a lot of issues with electronics problems, i mean, that way things wouldn't have to be all backwards. like, wherever the electrons go is becoming more negative, and whichever direction they are leaving is more positive...etc...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Because the convention was established before the electron was discovered. There was a 50-50 chance of getting it right.
 
  • #3
Blame Benjamin Franklin.
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
Because the convention was established before the electron was discovered. There was a 50-50 chance of getting it right.


that's what i was thinking...and people do that a lot, just stick with a convention for its own sake ( like not switching to the metric system in the US)
 
  • #5
I think it's important to realize that one choice of sign is no more "right" than another.
The sign of the majority charge carrier is an insignificant factor in understanding 'electricity'. Anyone who thinks it is of ant consequencr, can't be appreciating the topic in any depth.
 

1. Why is the electron considered to be negatively charged?

The electron is considered to be negatively charged because it has an excess of electrons compared to protons. Protons have a positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge. This imbalance in charges results in the electron being negatively charged.

2. How does the electron obtain its negative charge?

The electron obtains its negative charge through the process of ionization. This occurs when an atom gains or loses electrons, resulting in a change in its overall charge. In the case of an electron, it gains an extra electron, making it negatively charged.

3. Is there a specific reason why electrons have a negative charge and not a positive charge?

The charge of an electron is considered to be a fundamental property of the particle and does not have a specific reason behind it. It is simply a characteristic of the electron, just like mass or spin.

4. How is the negative charge of an electron measured?

The negative charge of an electron is measured in coulombs (C), which is the unit of electric charge. The charge of an electron is approximately -1.602 x 10^-19 C.

5. Can the negative charge of an electron be changed?

The negative charge of an electron is a fundamental property and cannot be changed. However, through certain processes, such as the addition or removal of electrons, the overall charge of an atom or molecule can be altered.

Similar threads

B How is surface charge accumulated?
    • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
B Is there some electrical charge that is neither positive nor negative?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Question on Hall Effect and magnetic force
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
862
I Meaning of "Static Electricity" and Physical Interpretation
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
20
Views
977
Calculating the force on an electron from two positive point charges
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
747
I Magnetic field as result of length contraction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
I Grounded Means Zero Electric Potential: Exploring the Method of Images
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
How can electrons flow all the way through the circuit?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
21
Views
2K
I How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
14
Views
3K
Help with negative charges in an electric field.
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
998

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top