Charge is Quantized, so why....

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The discussion centers on the concept of charge quantization, specifically questioning why quarks possess fractional charges of 1/3e instead of a more straightforward definition of charge. Participants express confusion over the apparent contradiction of defining "e" as discrete while allowing for continuous values in elementary particles. The historical context is highlighted, noting that "e" was established before quarks were discovered, making redefinition impractical. The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of the complexities involved in charge definitions and the implications of historical scientific conventions. Understanding these nuances is essential for grasping the nature of charge in particle physics.
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So why do Quarks have fractional non-discrete charge? Wouldn't it just be easier to just define ##\frac{1}{3}e## as +e and vice versa to preserve the discreetness of what we define as e?
 
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"e" was defined long before quarks were dreamed of.
 
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phinds said:
"e" was defined long before quarks were dreamed of.

Maybe so, but it still doesn't make sense why e wasn't just redefined. I don't get how we can say e is discrete, but continuous for elementary particles.
 
It is still discrete. It comes only in integer multiples of 1/3 e
 
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Dale said:
It is still discrete. It comes only in integer multiples of 1/3 e

That is what I was assuming was the answer, but wasn't sure. Thanks.

Any idea why they just didn't make the fractional charge the base constant?
 
As @phinds said, when e was discovered quarks were unknown. Redefining it later would have been inconvenient.
 
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Dale said:
As @phinds said, when e was discovered quarks were unknown. Redefining it later would have been inconvenient.

Got it, thank you.
 

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