Electric Charge- why is the electron the negative

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical decision to designate the electron as negatively charged, a convention established by Benjamin Franklin prior to the discovery of the electron. This choice, made without knowledge of the electron's existence, has led to ongoing confusion in electronics, where the movement of electrons creates a negative charge. Participants emphasize that the sign of the majority charge carrier is not critical for understanding electricity, suggesting that the convention is arbitrary and does not affect the fundamental principles of electrical phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including charge and current.
  • Familiarity with the historical context of electrical science, particularly Benjamin Franklin's contributions.
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in conductive materials.
  • Awareness of the implications of charge conventions in electronics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical development of electrical charge conventions.
  • Explore the role of charge carriers in semiconductor physics.
  • Learn about the impact of charge sign conventions on circuit design.
  • Investigate how different countries approach measurement systems, such as the metric system.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the historical and practical implications of charge conventions in electronics.

coffeebird
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Why wasn't the electron fixed with the 'positive' value? wouldn't that simplify a lot of issues with electronics problems, i mean, that way things wouldn't have to be all backwards. like, wherever the electrons go is becoming more negative, and whichever direction they are leaving is more positive...etc...
 
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Because the convention was established before the electron was discovered. There was a 50-50 chance of getting it right.
 
Blame Benjamin Franklin.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Because the convention was established before the electron was discovered. There was a 50-50 chance of getting it right.


that's what i was thinking...and people do that a lot, just stick with a convention for its own sake ( like not switching to the metric system in the US)
 
I think it's important to realize that one choice of sign is no more "right" than another.
The sign of the majority charge carrier is an insignificant factor in understanding 'electricity'. Anyone who thinks it is of ant consequencr, can't be appreciating the topic in any depth.
 

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