Electric charge
Electric Charge
Electric charge (/ɪˈlɛktrɪk tʃɑːrdʒ/) is a fundamental property of matter that creates electric force and electric field when it interacts with other charges.
Etymology
The term "electric" comes from the Greek word "ēlektron" which means amber, a material known for its ability to gain an electric charge by rubbing. The term "charge" comes from the Latin word "carrus" which means a load or burden.
Definition
Electric charge is a physical property of particles or objects that causes it to experience a force when near other electrically charged particles or objects. It is quantized and comes in two types, which are conventionally called positive and negative.
Types of Electric Charge
There are two types of electric charges: positive charge and negative charge. Positive charges are carried by protons, while negative charges are carried by electrons. The interaction between these charges is described by Coulomb's Law.
Positive Charge
A positive charge is a type of electric charge that is carried by protons in an atomic nucleus. It is the opposite of a negative charge.
Negative Charge
A negative charge is a type of electric charge that is carried by electrons. It is the opposite of a positive charge.
Related Terms
- Electric Force: The force that electric charges exert on each other.
- Electric Field: A region around a charged particle or object within which a force would be exerted on other charged particles or objects.
- Coulomb's Law: The principle that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electric charge
- Wikipedia's article - Electric charge
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