Subatomic Particles: Electrons, Protons & Charges

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of electric charge, specifically regarding electrons and protons. Participants explore definitions of charge, its fundamental nature, and the reasons why these subatomic particles possess charge. The conversation touches on theoretical frameworks such as quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism, as well as practical measurement approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek a clear definition of charge and question why electrons and protons possess it.
  • One participant suggests that the definition of charge may vary depending on the theoretical context, such as quantum mechanics or classical electromagnetism.
  • Another participant compares the inquiry about charge to questions about the mass of particles, implying that it may be an intrinsic property without a deeper explanation.
  • There is a suggestion that the property of charge could potentially be explained in a manner similar to the properties of light, though this raises further questions about what aspects of light can be explained.
  • Some participants express differing views on whether the question of why particles have charge is meaningful or not, with some asserting it is difficult but not meaningless.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of charge or the meaning of the questions posed. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the definitions and explanations of charge.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various theoretical frameworks and measurement methods, indicating that the discussion may depend on specific definitions and contexts that are not fully resolved.

a.ratnaparkhi
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is their in electrons and protons that they acquire change?
And what is the charge actually?
 
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Your questions are very vague.
 
I want to know the definition of the charge and why do electrons & protons have charge.
 
a.ratnaparkhi said:
I want to know the definition of the charge
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.

Or in a practical manner (my preference) you could define charge by an experimental procedure for measuring it. E.g. using the SI standard experiment for measuring an Ampere.

a.ratnaparkhi said:
why do electrons & protons have 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:
I want to know the definition of the charge and why do electrons & protons have charge.

Charge is a fundamental property of some particles. This is similar to asking why do electrons and protons have mass. They just do.
 
a.ratnaparkhi said:
why do electrons & protons have charge.
So, is it a meaningless question?
 
I do not think it is a meaningless question. I think that it is just difficult to answer.
 
grzz said:
I do not think it is a meaningless question. I think that it is just difficult to answer.

Charge is a property of subatomic particles. It defines the energy difference either positive or negative.
 
sankalpmittal said:
Charge is a property of subatomic particles. It defines the energy difference either positive or negative.
can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?
 
  • #10
a.ratnaparkhi said:
can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?

What properties of light that can be explained? The existence of E and B field components? It's spin of of 1? It's energy?

Zz.
 
  • #11
a.ratnaparkhi said:
can we explain this property just like we can explain the properties of light?

For reference :
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=25666 (locked though) , sorry mentors and mods for quoting it.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110311050041AA9EdJ3
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070621231427AAF6T8o
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080922180009AAie73H
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090401040241AAKhStX
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110120234708AAIuBnn
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110928020950AA3TJaa
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110823082423AAUXHPE
http://www.dctech.com/physics/features/0801.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/charge
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/electric+charge

Google : Discovery of electrons , protons and neutrons.

I think these huge list of sites are enough to satisfy you , I hope.
 
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