- #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
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the convention of representing the charge of an electron as q = 1.6 x 10^-19 C instead of -1.6 x 10^-19 C. It touches on historical context and the arbitrary nature of charge designation.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Historical, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions why the charge of an electron is typically represented as q = 1.6 x 10^-19 C rather than -1.6 x 10^-19 C.
- Another participant suggests that the convention of using positive and negative charges is arbitrary and historically contingent.
- A further contribution emphasizes that the designation of charge types predates the discovery of the electron and was based on earlier observations of charge interactions.
- It is noted that it is equally valid to express the charge of an electron as -q, with q = 1.6 x 10^-19 C, or +q, with q = -1.6 x 10^-19 C.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants appear to agree on the arbitrary nature of charge designation, but there is no consensus on the preferred representation of the electron's charge in equations.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the historical context of charge designation and the lack of a definitive reason for the choice of sign in the representation of the electron's charge.
- #2
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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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
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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
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