Why is Electric Charge Quantized?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of electric charge quantization, exploring various theoretical frameworks and explanations for why charge appears to be quantized. Participants reference different theories and approaches, including Kaluza-Klein Theory and Grand Unified Theories (GUTs), while also critiquing the clarity and relevance of shared resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the relevance and clarity of the explanation provided by Marlon regarding charge quantization.
  • Others mention that Urs Schreiber has offered a comprehensive explanation on a different platform, indicating alternative resources for understanding the topic.
  • One participant proposes that charge quantization can be derived from Kaluza-Klein Theory, where discrete momentum values in a curled-up dimension lead to quantized charge, drawing an analogy to the particle in a ring problem.
  • It is noted that in many Grand Unified Theories (GUTs), charge quantization arises from the requirements of the lie algebra, similar to how angular momentum quantization is derived from the lie algebra of SU(2).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the explanations provided, with some finding them lacking while others reference alternative theories. No consensus is reached regarding the best explanation for charge quantization.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific theoretical frameworks that may not be universally accepted or understood, and the discussion includes critiques of the clarity of presented arguments.

marlon
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This is why electric charge is quantized.

See the zip-file if this word-doc


regards
marlon
 
Last edited:
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Hey Marlon !

this is not a short way to the quantiziation. I don't see the point here.
 
humanino said:
Hey Marlon !

this is not a short way to the quantiziation. I don't see the point here.


this is meant as an answer for the question posted in the research-branch of this forum. But there i cannot post attachements

regards
marlon
 
Urs Schreiber has put up a comprehensive explanation on sci.physics.research.
 
There are other ways of obtaining charge quantization. In Kaluza-Klien Theory it comes naturally, since the curled up dimension has discrete momentum values (this is basically the particle in a ring problem), and the momentum component in the fifth dimension is charge. In many GUTs it comes about because the lie algebra requires it, in the same way that the lie algebra of SU(2) requires that angular momentum be quantized.
 
kurious said:
Urs Schreiber has put up a comprehensive explanation on sci.physics.research.


yes i know, copying is not to difficult though

regards
marlon
 

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