ELECTRIC CHARGE

ELECTRIC CHARGE
Electrons are said to have a negative charge, which means that they seem to be surrounded by a kind of invisible force field. This is called an electrostatic field.


Protons

Protons are much larger and heavier than electrons. Protons have a positive electrical charge.

Like charges repel, unlike charges attract

Two electrons will tend to repel each other because both have a negative electrical charge. Two protons will also tend to repel each other because they both have a positive charge. On the other hand, electrons and protons will be attracted to each other because of their unlike charges.

Since the electron is much smaller and lighter than a proton, when they are attracted to each other due to their unlike charges, the electron usually does most of the moving.


Review

1. Electrons have a negative electrostatic charge and protons have a positive electrostatic charge.
2. A good way to remember what charge protons have is to remember both proton and positive charge start with "P."
3. Like charges repel, unlike charges attract, just like with magnets.


BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/electriccharge.htm