Electron-Proton Atoms in a Unique Universe: Could They Exist?

AI Thread Summary
In a hypothetical universe where electrons and protons have their charges reversed, the existence of an atom composed of a positively charged electron and a negatively charged proton raises questions about the nature of atomic structure. The discussion highlights that this scenario is similar to antihydrogen, which consists of a negatively charged proton and a positively charged electron, though it is rare in our universe. Participants ponder whether the designation of charge as positive or negative is arbitrary and if physics would remain unchanged if these labels were swapped. The consensus suggests that the fundamental forces, like the Coulomb force, would still apply regardless of charge designation. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the arbitrary nature of charge assignment in physics.
motleycat
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1. Imagine a universe where electrons and protons have positive and negative electric charges, respectively. Could an atom consisting of one electron and one proton exist in this universe?2. None.3. My first thought was that such an universe already exists (ours) since an atom with a negatively charged proton and a positively charged electron is antihydrogen, which does exist but is very rare.
However, my prof also wrote me the following:
Think about whether a positive electron and a negative proton can form an
atom in this different universe. Question does not mention anything about
antimatter.
 
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Hi motley,

What would change in the physics ?

Another inroad: what if we had used the name positive for the charge of an electron and negative for the charge of a proton ?

How do we know at all that an electron has negative charge and not positive ?
 
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BvU said:
Hi motley,

What would change in the physics ?

Another inroad: what if we had used the name positive for the charge of an electron and negative for the charge of a proton ?

How do we know at all that an electron has negative charge and not positive ?

Hi BvU!
Thank you for your answer.
I'm inclined to say, that the fact that an electron is charged negatively and a proton positively is pretty arbitrary and that the physics wouldn't change if I swap their values.
 
I'm inclined to agree.
Physics needs an attractive Coulomb force and that is conserved under this swap of charge.

Don't even smell a rat here. Hope I'm not too naïve. But if we're wrong, I'd sure like to be put right !
 
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BvU said:
I'm inclined to agree.
Physics needs an attractive Coulomb force and that is conserved under this swap of charge.

Don't even smell a rat here. Hope I'm not too naïve. But if we're wrong, I'd sure like to be put right !

Thank you very much! I will let you know once my homework's marked.
 
Oh btw. Electrons being negatively charged is just something that's been decided, right?
 
Exactly. They needed something to distinguish one from the other.
 

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