What is the Dimension of Electric Charge?

In summary, the dimension of electric charge on the German Wikipedia is defined as "M^(1/2)*L^(3/2)*T^(-1)" and is based on Coulomb's Law. This definition can be seen as misleading since all other electromagnetic quantities depend on the definition of electric charge.
  • #1
azabak
32
0
If you search electric charge on the German Wikipedia (search electric charge on Wikipedia and click on the "Deutsch" blue link on the left side) its dimension is defined as "M^(1/2)*L^(3/2)*T^(-1)". I always thought of electric charge as fundamental property that by definition has its own dimension "Q". Could someone please explain me this?
azabak
 
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  • #2
This comes about by defining the unit of charge using Coulomb's Law: two charges, each with one unit of charge, separated by one unit of distance, exert one unit of force on each other. Combine this with the definition of the unit of force in terms of units of mass, length and time.
 
  • #3
Is this the definition of electric charge? If so it makes the Coulomb's Constant dimensionless.
 
  • #4
azabak said:
Is this the definition of electric charge?

It's a definition of electric charge.
If so it makes the Coulomb's Constant dimensionless.

Yes, in such a system of units. See for example

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_units
 
  • #5
I think this definition is, somehow, misleading assuming electric charge as a mechanical unit since all other electromagnetic quantities depend on the definition of electric charge.
 

1. What is electric charge?

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that describes the amount of electrical force an object can exert. It is measured in Coulombs (C) and can be either positive or negative.

2. How many dimensions of electric charge are there?

There are three dimensions of electric charge: magnitude, direction, and location. Magnitude refers to the amount of charge, direction refers to the orientation of the charge, and location refers to the position of the charge in space.

3. What is the SI unit for electric charge?

The SI unit for electric charge is the Coulomb (C). It is defined as the charge of 6.24 x 10^18 protons or electrons.

4. How does electric charge interact with other forces?

Electric charge can interact with other forces, such as gravity and electromagnetic forces. For example, two objects with opposite charges will attract each other, while two objects with the same charge will repel each other.

5. Can electric charge be created or destroyed?

Electric charge is a conserved quantity, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred from one object to another through the movement of electrons.

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