2007-03-20 01:47:23 · 4 answers · asked by mac_addict 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Steve is correct,
The fundamental unit of charge is the Coloumb (which is actually Ampere seconds (A s).
All charge is given in coloumbs no matter how small it is, so therefore an electron has a charge 'e' which is equal to -1.6 x 10^-19 Coloumbs, a proton has an equal but opposite charge.
2007-03-20 01:57:33 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Q 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you need a unit of charge by which to measure all charges. The electron would seem like a good idea since when charges are transferred, it is the movement of electrons that ultimately causes this transfer. B/c e- are responsible for these phenomena, they are considered the "fundamental" unit of charge.
2007-03-20 02:37:38 · answer #2 · answered by J Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charge is quatized. That means that there is a smallest unit for charge which can not be devided into anything smaller. That smallest piece is a quantum or fundamental unit of charge.
2007-03-20 01:50:49 · answer #3 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Coulomb is a fundemental unit of charge, or are you referring to the much smaller charge of an elementary particle such as a Proton or electron?
2007-03-20 01:54:45 · answer #4 · answered by SteveA8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋