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

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The discussion centers on the application of the term "net charge" to subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. Participants debate whether it is appropriate to use net charge calculations for these particles, with some arguing that it complicates understanding due to the unique structures of protons and electrons. Protons, composed of quarks, have a net charge of +1e, while neutrons have a net charge of 0. Electrons, being fundamental particles, are suggested to have a net charge of -1e without any uncharged components. The conversation highlights the complexities and differing opinions on the concept of net charge in the context of particle physics.
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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