This discussion focuses on the nature of electric charge as it pertains to subatomic particles, specifically electrons and protons. Charge is defined as a fundamental property of these particles, with electrons possessing a negative charge and protons a positive charge, due to their composition of quarks. The discussion references quantum mechanics (QM) and classical electromagnetism (EM), highlighting that charge corresponds to the U(1) gauge symmetry in QM and can be experimentally measured through standards like the SI Ampere. The complexity of defining charge is acknowledged, but it is established as a crucial aspect of particle physics.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in particle physics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism, will benefit from this discussion.
I guess the definition depends on what theory you are interested in. If you are working with QM then charge is the conserved quantity corresponding to the U(1) gauge symmetry. If you are working with classical EM then it is probably best defined by the Lorentz force law, however that might be a little circular if you use the Lorentz force law to define the fields also.a.ratnaparkhi said:I want to know the definition of the charge
That is part of the definition of an electron. For the proton, it is because it is composed of quarks and having charge is part of the definition of a quark.a.ratnaparkhi said:why do electrons & protons have charge.
a.ratnaparkhi said:I want to know the definition of the charge and why do electrons & protons have charge.
So, is it a meaningless question?a.ratnaparkhi said:why do electrons & protons have charge.
grzz said:I do not think it is a meaningless question. I think that it is just difficult to answer.
can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?sankalpmittal said:Charge is a property of subatomic particles. It defines the energy difference either positive or negative.
a.ratnaparkhi said:can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?
a.ratnaparkhi said:can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?