Why are electrons so much stronger than protons

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparative strengths and characteristics of electrons and protons, highlighting that while both carry equal but opposite charges, their structural differences are significant. Electrons are fundamental particles with zero width, while protons are composite particles made of quarks, which possess fractional charges of +2/3e and -1/3e. The conversation also touches on the existence of other charged particles, emphasizing that the relationship between mass, size, and charge is not straightforward and remains an area of scientific inquiry.

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  • Understanding of fundamental particles (electrons and protons)
  • Basic knowledge of quark composition and fractional charges
  • Familiarity with electric charge concepts
  • Awareness of particle physics terminology
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  • Explore the concept of charge in relation to particle size and mass
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Astro_Will
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In chemistry I remember learning that electrons and protons had equal but opposite charges but also that electrons were much smaller than protons. So how is it that something so much smaller can have an equal charge?
 
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I don't think there is an answer to that other than "we don't know". It just seems to be that way. But did you know that there are several different particles of various masses that also have an electric charge of +1 or -1? It's not just the proton and electron.
 
Why not?

Anyway, a proton isn't a single thing like an electron. Protons are made of quarks so an electron and a proton aren't 'opposite' really.

For that, you have to look at the positron.
 
Well electrons have a width of zero as far as we know. Protons are made up of quarks which carry a charge of 1/3e or 2/3e and they are also infinitely thin. We don't know why they have those charges, but the width or mass of a particle doesn't have anything to do with it as far as we know. (Actually "width of zero" would need some explanation, but I don't feel like arguing over string theory, momentum independent interactions, or measurement limits)
 
Astro_Will,

In chemistry I remember learning that electrons and protons had equal but opposite charges but also that electrons were much smaller than protons. So how is it that something so much smaller can have an equal charge?

You seem to think that mass and size are somehow related to charge. Where did you get that idea?

Ratch
 

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