What is the Origin of Charge in Subatomic Particles?

In summary, the current theory has no explanation for the charge in subatomic particles, but string theory may provide an answer once it is fully developed. Charge is essentially the strength of electrical interactions and is represented by the fine structure constant. This is due to the principle of Local Gauge Invariance in Quantum Mechanics, which states that the phase of the wave function is arbitrary at any point in space and can only hold if all particles have a charge. This principle finally answers the question of what causes the charge in subatomic particles, but also raises further questions.
  • #1
superweirdo
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I was wondering what causes the charge in the subatomic particles.
 
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  • #2
Current theory has no explanation for the charges. String theory may give an answer when it ever gets worked out fully.
 
  • #3
superweirdo said:
I was wondering what causes the charge in the subatomic particles.
To add to what mathman has explained, charge is basically the coupling constant of electrical interactions. A coupling constant expresses the strength of an interaction.


See this

The electrical coupling constant is actually called the "fine structure constant" as is shown in the website. The e is present in it's definition and in high energy physics, the c is equal to 1 (God's units), so only the e "actually matters" in the definition.

marlon
 
  • #4
There is a principle in Quantum Mechanics called "Local Gauge Invariance".
Simply put, it means the phase of the wave function is arbitrary at any point in space. It can be shown that LGI can only hold if all particles have a charge (either EM, strong, or weak). The LGI principle, for the first time, answers your profound question. As with any answer, it raises its own questions.
 

1. What are subatomic charged particles?

Subatomic charged particles are tiny particles that make up atoms and have an electrical charge. They include protons, neutrons, and electrons.

2. How are subatomic charged particles different from each other?

Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge. They also have different masses and are located in different parts of an atom.

3. What is the role of subatomic charged particles in atoms?

Subatomic charged particles are responsible for the structure and behavior of atoms. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels.

4. How do subatomic charged particles interact with each other?

Subatomic charged particles interact through electromagnetic forces. Protons and electrons attract each other, while like charges repel. Neutrons do not interact with other particles electromagnetically, but they can interact through the strong nuclear force with protons in the nucleus.

5. Can subatomic charged particles exist independently?

No, subatomic charged particles cannot exist independently outside of an atom. They are always found in combination with other particles to form atoms or other types of particles.

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