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

 
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May14-07, 05:12 PM   #1
 

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


im sure its a simple question but i dont know thanks
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May14-07, 05:16 PM   #2
 
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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
May14-07, 06:54 PM   #3
 
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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