- #1
DjLeo
- 1
- 0
My question is, Why do we use q=1.6*10^-19 C rather than -1.6*10^-19 C, for the charge on an electron in most of the equations?
The Charge of an Electron: Q = 1.6x10^-19C
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The charge of an electron is conventionally represented as q = 1.6 x 10^-19 C, despite the fact that it could equally be expressed as -1.6 x 10^-19 C. This convention stems from historical decisions made in the 18th century regarding the classification of electric charges as positive and negative. The designation of the electron's charge as negative is arbitrary, as the fundamental properties of charge allow for either representation without affecting the underlying physics.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic electric charge concepts
- Familiarity with historical context of physics terminology
- Knowledge of subatomic particles, specifically electrons
- Basic grasp of electrostatics and charge interactions
- Research the historical development of electric charge terminology
- Explore the properties of subatomic particles, focusing on electrons
- Learn about the principles of electrostatics and charge interactions
- Investigate the implications of charge conventions in physics equations
Students of physics, educators explaining electric charge concepts, and anyone interested in the historical context of scientific terminology.
- #2
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 9,253
- 1,080
Hi DjLeo.
As for your question...I don't believe we do, actually. But let me move this over to General Physics and the people there will sort you out.
As for your question...I don't believe we do, actually. But let me move this over to General Physics and the people there will sort you out.
- #3
Nugatory
Mentor
- 15,498
- 10,690
It is a complete and total historical accident. As early as the 18th century, long before the discovery of the electron or any other subatomic particle, it was known that there were two types of charge, and that like repelled and unlike attracted. The choice of which we would call negative and which we would call positive was completely arbitrary.
Many years later the electron was discovered, and it turned out that it had the kind of charge that we had been calling negative: https://xkcd.com/567/
Many years later the electron was discovered, and it turned out that it had the kind of charge that we had been calling negative: https://xkcd.com/567/
- #4
Khashishi
Science Advisor
- 2,812
- 491
It's completely arbitrary whether you say the charge on an electron is -q, with q=1.6*10^-19C, or +q, with q=-1.6*10^-19C
Similar threads
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
High School
High voltage batteries and charge distribution
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 10 ·
- · Replies 22 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
High School
How is surface charge accumulated?
- · Replies 36 ·
- · Replies 36 ·
- · Replies 5 ·