What is the Origin of Charge in Subatomic Particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origin of charge in subatomic particles, exploring theoretical explanations and principles from physics. It includes aspects of quantum mechanics, coupling constants, and potential future theories like string theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the fundamental cause of charge in subatomic particles.
  • One participant mentions that current theories do not provide an explanation for the origin of charge, suggesting that string theory may offer insights once fully developed.
  • Another participant discusses charge as a coupling constant related to electrical interactions, specifically referencing the fine structure constant and its significance in high energy physics.
  • A participant introduces the principle of Local Gauge Invariance from quantum mechanics, proposing that it implies all particles must have charge, thus providing a potential answer to the question while also raising further inquiries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the origin of charge, with multiple competing views and theories presented, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of definitive explanations for the origin of charge and the dependence on theoretical frameworks that may not yet be fully established or understood.

superweirdo
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I was wondering what causes the charge in the subatomic particles.
 
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Current theory has no explanation for the charges. String theory may give an answer when it ever gets worked out fully.
 
superweirdo said:
I was wondering what causes the charge in the subatomic particles.
To add to what mathman has explained, charge is basically the coupling constant of electrical interactions. A coupling constant expresses the strength of an interaction.


See this

The electrical coupling constant is actually called the "fine structure constant" as is shown in the website. The e is present in it's definition and in high energy physics, the c is equal to 1 (God's units), so only the e "actually matters" in the definition.

marlon
 
There is a principle in Quantum Mechanics called "Local Gauge Invariance".
Simply put, it means the phase of the wave function is arbitrary at any point in space. It can be shown that LGI can only hold if all particles have a charge (either EM, strong, or weak). The LGI principle, for the first time, answers your profound question. As with any answer, it raises its own questions.
 

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