The smallest unit of electric charge is what?

In summary, the smallest unit of electric charge is called an elementary charge, which is the charge carried by a single proton or electron. It was first theorized by physicist Robert Millikan in 1909 through the oil drop experiment. The elementary charge is considered to be indivisible and is the fundamental unit of charge in the SI system. It is also the same for all particles, as it is a fundamental physical constant.
  • #1
pinkyjoshi65
260
0
what does this mean??

"a smallest unit of electric charge of which
other units are multiples"

The smallest unit of electric charge is q. i don't understand the rest..
 
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  • #2
Charging of anybody is due to the transfer of electrons. And the electrons can be transferred in whole numbers, not in fraction. Hence smallest unit of charge is the chare on electron, and that is equal to 1.6x10^-19 C. Charge on anybody is given by n*e = n*1.6x10^-19C.
 
  • #3


This statement means that electric charge can be measured in units, and the smallest unit is called q. Other units of electric charge, such as coulombs, are multiples of q. This is similar to how a meter is the basic unit of length, and centimeters and kilometers are multiples of the meter. The concept of a smallest unit allows for precise measurement of electric charge and makes it easier to compare and convert between different units.
 

Related to The smallest unit of electric charge is what?

1. What is the smallest unit of electric charge?

The smallest unit of electric charge is called an elementary charge. It is the charge carried by a single proton or electron, and its value is approximately 1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs.

2. How was the smallest unit of electric charge discovered?

The existence of the smallest unit of electric charge was first theorized by physicist Robert Millikan in 1909. He conducted an experiment known as the oil drop experiment, which involved measuring the charge of tiny oil droplets suspended in an electric field. Through this experiment, he was able to determine the value of the elementary charge.

3. Can the smallest unit of electric charge be divided into smaller units?

No, the smallest unit of electric charge, or elementary charge, is considered to be indivisible. It is the fundamental unit of charge and cannot be divided into smaller units.

4. How is the smallest unit of electric charge related to other units of charge?

The elementary charge is the fundamental unit of charge in the SI (International System of Units) system. It is used to define other units of charge, such as the coulomb, which is equal to the charge of approximately 6.241 x 10^18 elementary charges.

5. Is the smallest unit of electric charge the same for all particles?

Yes, the smallest unit of electric charge is the same for all particles. This is because the elementary charge is a fundamental physical constant, meaning it has the same value for all particles that carry it, such as protons and electrons.

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