What is electric charge?

We generally hear about the terms 'positive charges', 'negative charges'. These two types of charges are present in the nature. The classification of charges comes from a very simple logic. The electric charge and the nature of charge is determined by the electrons. The loosely bonded electrons from the outer layer of an atom are pretty easy to de touch. Sometimes for matters with high electro negativity, excess electrons can attached with its atom. Depending on this, the nature and magnitude of charge can be determined. 

Now if there is extra electron in the matter then that can be termed as negatively charged. Because, the charge of electron is negative that means presence of extra electrons make a matter negatively charged. Similarly if there are no extra electrons, the matter is not charged at all and if there is deficiency of electrons, i.e electrons of outer layers have de touched, then there are more protons compared to electrons. So, the matter becomes positively charged.

Electrons and protons are considered as elementary charges. Their electric charge is 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs and for electrons, this is negative and for protons this is positive. Now, two negatively or two positively charged matters repels each other, whereas there is attraction between two different types of charged matters. The intensity of the attraction or repletion force is determined by the amount of charge in the matter.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share

Sign up here with your email