Negative charge

Definition

A negative charge is a property of subatomic particles, such as electrons, that results in a repulsive interaction with other negatively charged particles and an attractive interaction with positively charged particles. This charge is fundamental to the behavior of atoms and is crucial for understanding static electricity and electric fields, where the movement of charges creates electrical forces and potentials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Negative charges are carried by electrons, which orbit the nucleus of an atom and have a charge of approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs.
2. Like charges repel each other, meaning two negatively charged objects will push away from one another, while opposite charges attract.
3. In a neutral atom, the number of negatively charged electrons equals the number of positively charged protons, balancing the overall charge.
4. The buildup of negative charge through processes such as friction can lead to static electricity, which can result in shocks or sparks when discharged.
5. Electric fields generated by negative charges point toward the charge itself, indicating how positive charges would move in the field.

Review Questions

• How does a negative charge interact with other types of electric charges?
  • A negative charge interacts with other charges according to Coulomb's law. It repels other negative charges while attracting positive charges. This interaction is foundational for understanding how electric forces work, as the movement and distribution of negative and positive charges create electric fields and influence various electrical phenomena.
• Discuss the role of negative charges in the formation of electric fields and their implications for static electricity.
  • Negative charges contribute significantly to the formation of electric fields around charged objects. When negative charges accumulate on a surface, they create an electric field that influences nearby charged objects. This is essential in understanding static electricity, as it explains how objects can exert forces on one another without physical contact, resulting in phenomena like static cling or electric shocks when discharging accumulated charge.
• Evaluate the significance of negative charge in atomic structure and how it affects chemical behavior.
  • Negative charge is crucial in atomic structure as it defines the behavior of electrons in relation to protons in the nucleus. The arrangement and interactions between negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons influence an atom's stability and bonding with other atoms. This balance between charges affects chemical reactions and properties, such as conductivity and reactivity, making negative charge essential for understanding both chemical interactions and physical phenomena like electricity.

Related terms

Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle found outside the nucleus of an atom, playing a key role in chemical bonding and electricity.

Electric Field: A region around a charged particle where other charged particles experience a force, with the direction of the field indicating the force exerted on positive charges.

Static Electricity: A stationary electric charge that accumulates on an object, often resulting from friction between materials that transfer electrons.