Negative charge is one of the two fundamental types of electric charge, the other being positive charge. It is a property of matter that results from an excess of negatively charged particles, such as electrons.
Here are key points about negative charge:
- Definition: Negative charge is a type of electric charge that signifies an excess of negatively charged particles, which are particles that have gained or retained extra electrons, resulting in a negative charge.
- Charge of Electrons: The charge of an electron, a subatomic particle found in atoms, is negative. It carries a charge of approximately -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs (C).
- Opposite of Positive Charge: Negative charge is the opposite of positive charge. Negatively charged objects exert attractive forces on positively charged objects and repulsive forces on other negatively charged objects.
- Conservation of Charge: In any closed system, the total electric charge is conserved. This means that charge cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transferred between objects.
- Quantization: Electric charge is quantized, which means it comes in discrete units. The elementary charge, represented by the charge of an electron, is the smallest unit of charge.
- Representation: Negative charge is typically represented using a “-” symbol. For example, if an object has a net negative charge, it is denoted as “-Q,” where “Q” represents the magnitude of the charge.
- Neutralization: Negative charge can be neutralized by an equal amount of positive charge. When a negatively charged object comes into contact with a positively charged object, they can exchange electrons, leading to both objects becoming electrically neutral.
- Applications: Negative charge plays a crucial role in various technological applications, including the functioning of electronic devices, electric circuits, and electrical power generation.
- Attraction and Repulsion: Negatively charged objects attract positively charged objects and repel other negatively charged objects. This behavior is a consequence of the fundamental principle that opposite charges attract while like charges repel.
- Atomic Structure: In the context of atomic and nuclear physics, the negative charge of electrons is what orbits the nucleus of an atom and is involved in chemical reactions and electrical conductivity.
In summary, negative charge is a fundamental property of matter resulting from an excess of negatively charged particles, typically electrons. It is one of the two types of electric charge and plays a fundamental role in the behavior of charged objects and the operation of electrical devices and systems.