Can we apply the concept of net charge to subatomic particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the application of the concept of "net charge" to subatomic particles, specifically protons, neutrons, and electrons. Participants explore the implications of defining net charge in the context of particle composition and charge summation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that net charge can be applied to subatomic particles, citing examples of protons and electrons.
  • One participant explains that a proton has a net charge of +1e due to its quark composition, while a neutron has a net charge of 0.
  • Another participant questions the validity of using the term net charge for electrons, suggesting that it could lead to confusion.
  • There is a proposal that if one separates the unit of charge from the particle, it could create problems in understanding charge representation.
  • Some participants express disagreement regarding the use of +0e for electrons, emphasizing that electrons do not have uncharged components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the term net charge is appropriate for electrons, with some supporting its use and others challenging it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of applying net charge to subatomic particles.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of charge representation in relation to particle composition, particularly the distinction between charged and uncharged components in subatomic particles.

ConfusedRookie
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Hello guy, I have questions with the use of the terms "net charge"
As far as I know we use net charge when we want to make a sum of positive charge + negative charge

For example the net charge of Na+ = +11+(-10)= +1
the net charge of Cl- = _______ = -1

But can we use the word net charges on subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons and also electrons !?
A proton has a net charge of 2/3e+ 2/3e- ⅓e= +1e (since it is made of quarks)
A neutron has a net charge of 0 (the same as a proton but the "sum" is zero)
An electron (it's not made up of any quarks according to the theory but I assume we can use say +0e - 1e = -1e.
 
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ConfusedRookie said:
But can we use the word net charges on subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons and also electrons !?

You can indeed.

ConfusedRookie said:
An electron (it's not made up of any quarks according to the theory but I assume we can use say +0e - 1e = -1e.
As far as I know you can. I don't think it makes a difference in the end since your final number is the same. 0e + (-1)e = -1e is the same as -1e.
 
ConfusedRookie said:
An electron (it's not made up of any quarks according to the theory but I assume we can use say +0e - 1e = -1e.
What does the +0e stand for?

I disagree with @Drakkith, and think that you cannot do that. Why not say then that an electron is +5e -6e = -1e?
 
DrClaude said:
I disagree with @Drakkith, and think that you cannot do that. Why not say then that an electron is +5e -6e = -1e?

I suppose you could if you separated the unit of charge from the object possessing it, but that likely causes problems.
 
DrClaude said:
What does the +0e stand for?

I disagree with @Drakkith, and think that you cannot do that. Why not say then that an electron is +5e -6e = -1e?

The main reason is that the proton is made up of quarks and the electron is not. (My opinion)
 
But what does your +0e stand for, with respect to the electron? An electron has no uncharged component.
 

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