how do you know if a particle is an electron/proton?

help908

im sure its a simple question but i dont know thanks

chroot

If you know it's either a proton or an electron (but no other kind of particle), then all you need to do is measure its charge, or its mass.

- Warren

Da-Force

Hmm.. as a real life experiment?

Magnetic fields and electric fields can do this very easily.

If you apply an electric field, a proton will go in the direction of electric field lines, and an electron will go the reverse.

Magnetic fields: right hand rule.

Otherwise, chroot is right. Electrons have negative charge. Protons have positive. A proton weighs more than an electron.

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help908	how do you know if a particle is an electron/proton? Tweet im sure its a simple question but i dont know thanks

chroot Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus	If you know it's either a proton or an electron (but no other kind of particle), then all you need to do is measure its charge, or its mass. - Warren

Da-Force	Hmm.. as a real life experiment? Magnetic fields and electric fields can do this very easily. If you apply an electric field, a proton will go in the direction of electric field lines, and an electron will go the reverse. Magnetic fields: right hand rule. Otherwise, chroot is right. Electrons have negative charge. Protons have positive. A proton weighs more than an electron.