What Are the Limitations of Charge Values in Physics?

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Charge values in physics have both upper and lower limitations. The lower limit is defined by the fundamental charge of an electron or proton, while the upper limit is influenced by ionization effects when potentials become too high, causing electrons to escape. There are practical constraints on how much charge can be held, as excessive charge can lead to leakage into the atmosphere. The discussion confirms that while charge can be manipulated, it cannot be infinitely small or large. Understanding these limitations is crucial for accurate applications in physics.
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Homework Statement



Are there any limitations on charge values? If yes, then explain the limitations. Is it possible to make charges as small as we want?

The Attempt at a Solution



It's a lab report question, and I'm not quite sure how to answer it. The only things I could think of are that there are limitations on how much a charge can hold because if there is a lot of charge on a particle then the faster the charge leaks into the atmosphere due to the ions in the air?

Am I close, or way off?
 
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You know there is an effective lower limit i.e an electron or proton.

For an upper limit then yes there is the ionization that can occur when potentials rise too high and electrons are encouraged to take a trip.
 
Aah, so I was right with the upper limit. For the lower limit, the limit is just one electron or one proton then?
 
JSapit said:
Aah, so I was right with the upper limit. For the lower limit, the limit is just one electron or one proton then?

Sounds good enough for government work.
 
Thanks for the help man. I appreciate it a lot.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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