Is Electric Charge a Physical Entity Like Mass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of electric charge, specifically whether it is a physical entity akin to mass, and its role in generating electric fields. Participants explore analogies between electric charge and mass in the context of gravitational interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that electric charge can be analogized to mass in that both are fundamental properties that influence fields (electric and gravitational, respectively).
  • One participant notes that electric charge is a conserved property of subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interactions and influences electromagnetic fields.
  • Another participant references a web page for a definition of electric charge, indicating a reliance on external sources for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the physicality of electric charge and its analogy to mass, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on definitions and interpretations that may not be universally accepted, and the discussion does not resolve the nature of electric charge or its comparison to mass.

rondi
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hi there,
i've read books and some web sites and I'm wondering this electric charge? Is it something physical (compose of matter)? some say its the one causing the electric field,
by analogy, is it like mass has something to do with gravity?
thank you
 
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Yea you can draw the same analogy as mass causing gravity. Here, a charge emanates an electric field.
 
rondi said:
hi there,
i've read books and some web sites and I'm wondering this electric charge? Is it something physical (compose of matter)? some say its the one causing the electric field,
by analogy, is it like mass has something to do with gravity?
thank you

You're lucky. I just finished a web page which contains a definition of electric charge. See
http://www.geocities.com/physics_world/em/laws_of_electrodynamics.htm

Go to the second section which is entitled "Charge."

Pete
 
rondi said:
hi there,
i've read books and some web sites and I'm wondering this electric charge? Is it something physical (compose of matter)? some say its the one causing the electric field,
by analogy, is it like mass has something to do with gravity?
thank you
Electric charge is a fundamental conserved property of some subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interaction. Electrically charged matter is influenced by, and produces, electromagnetic fields. The interaction between a moving charge and an electromagnetic field is the source of the electromagnetic force, which is one of the four fundamental forces. I hope it was a good help . Richard 14
 
Last edited:

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