Are electrons negative by default?

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    Electrons Negative
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SUMMARY

Electrons are conventionally labeled as negatively charged due to historical decisions made by Benjamin Franklin during his experiments with static electricity. Franklin's work predates the discovery of electrons, leading to the arbitrary assignment of positive and negative labels to electrical charges. In electrical circuits, the conventional current is described as flowing from positive to negative terminals, which can create confusion regarding the actual movement of electrons, which flow from negative to positive. This discussion highlights the importance of understanding the historical context behind electrical charge conventions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits and current flow
  • Familiarity with static electricity concepts
  • Knowledge of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to electrical theory
  • Understanding of charge polarity and its implications in physics
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  • Research the historical context of Benjamin Franklin's experiments on static electricity
  • Explore the principles of charge polarity in physics
  • Learn about the behavior of electrons in electrical circuits
  • Investigate the implications of charge conventions in modern electrical engineering
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the historical development of electrical concepts and charge conventions.

IchibanNoodle
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Are electrons negative to anything? Did we notice two different charges and decide to label them like we did with left and right?

I'm very curious to know why we brand electrons as negatively charged.
 
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Strictly convention.

For example, the convention in electrical circuits is to assume the electrons move from +ve to -ve terminals. This would only happen if the electrons were positively charged.
 

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