Question

What is the relative charge of an electron and proton?

Short answer

An electron has a relative charge of -1, while a proton has a relative charge of +1.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Particle Charges

In atomic physics, the charge of subatomic particles is expressed relative to the elementary charge unit, which is denoted as +1 or -1. We need to identify the standard charge of electrons and protons.

Electron Charge

An electron has a negative charge. It is defined to have a relative charge of \(-1\). This means it carries one negative elementary charge unit.

Proton Charge

A proton has a positive charge. It is defined to have a relative charge of \(+1\). This means it carries one positive elementary charge unit.

Key concepts

Subatomic Particles

In the realm of atomic physics, subatomic particles are the fundamental building blocks of matter. They are smaller than an atom and typically include protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each of these particles plays a unique role in the structure and behavior of atoms.

• Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
• Neutrons: Electrically neutral particles that also reside in the nucleus alongside protons.
• Electrons: Negatively charged particles that orbit the atomic nucleus.

Understanding these particles is crucial as they determine the chemical properties of an element. Protons and neutrons collectively account for most of an atom's mass, while electrons influence chemical reactions and bonding.

Each subatomic particle varies in mass and charge. For instance, protons and neutrons are much heavier than electrons but carry distinct charges, which affects atomic interactions and forces that hold atoms together.

Elementary Charge

The concept of elementary charge is fundamental in understanding subatomic particles and their interactions. Elementary charge, symbolized as "e," represents the basic unit of electric charge in physics.

The elementary charge is approximately equal to \[1.6 \times 10^{-19} \text{ coulombs.}\]This value is fundamental because it sets the scale for electric charges observed in nature.

• Charges are quantized in units of the elementary charge.
• Electrons and protons have charges equal in magnitude to the elementary charge but opposite in sign.

This quantization means that any observable electric charge must be an integer multiple of this elementary charge value. Electrons carry a charge of \(-e\), while protons carry \(+e\). This principle is essential for explaining electrical phenomena at the atomic level.

Proton and Electron Charges

Protons and electrons are among the most well-known subatomic particles, especially when discussing the charges they carry. Their charges are crucial for understanding the forces and interactions within atoms.

Protons carry a positive charge equal to \(+1e\), or simply \(+e\). This positivity is a defining attribute that helps bind electrons to the nucleus through electrostatic attraction.

In contrast, electrons carry a negative charge, denoted \(-1e\), or \(-e\). Their negative charge is essential in providing a counterbalance to the positive charges of protons in an atom.

• The equality in magnitude of proton and electron charges ensures that atoms are electrically neutral overall.
• The opposite charges result in a natural attraction, which is fundamental to atomic structure and stability.

This interaction between proton and electron charges forms the basis for electricity and magnetism, stemming from more than just the mechanical structures of atoms but also their intrinsic charge properties.