Why is charge quantized and unable to exist in fractional or decimal values?

This is known as quantization of charge.In summary, quantization of charge means that charge always exists in integral multiples of the magnitude of the charge of an electron, which is mathematically represented as q = ne, where n is an integer. This concept contradicts the idea that charge can exist in fractions or decimals, as stated in numerous print and web materials. This is because the value of e, which is the charge of an electron, is itself an integer and therefore cannot be divided into fractions. This concept is known as the quantization of charge.
  • #1
logearav
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Homework Statement


Quantisation means charge always exist in integral multiples of magnitude of charge of electron and to put it mathematically we say q = ne, where n is an integer 1,2,3,4 ... -1,-2,-3,... etc. Numerous print and web materials say that charge cannot exist in fraction or decimal, i.e, 2.3e, 4.6e etc. Agreed.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The value of e is 1.6*10^-19 C which itself contradicts the statement that no fraction or decimals is possible while dealing with charge. Also if we take n = 2, we get q = 3.2*10^-19, n =3 means q = 4.8 *10^-19 which are all fractions. Can experts throw light on this aspect? Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
It means charge exists in multiples of integers. An easy way to put it is if you divide the value of a charge by 1.6*10^-19, you'll always get an integer and never a fraction.
 

Related to Why is charge quantized and unable to exist in fractional or decimal values?

1. What is quantisation of charge?

Quantisation of charge is a physical law that states that electric charge can only exist in discrete, quantised amounts. This means that electric charge cannot have any value, but only specific values that are multiples of a fundamental unit of charge.

2. Who discovered quantisation of charge?

The concept of quantisation of charge was first proposed by the French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb in the 18th century. However, it was not until the early 20th century that it was further developed and confirmed by experiments conducted by Robert Millikan and Ernest Rutherford.

3. Why is quantisation of charge important?

Quantisation of charge is important because it helps explain the behavior of electric charge and the fundamental nature of matter. It also plays a crucial role in the development of technologies such as electronics and computing.

4. Is quantisation of charge always exact?

While quantisation of charge is a fundamental law, it is not always exact at the microscopic level. In some quantum systems, charge can be observed to take on fractional values, but this is due to the wave-like nature of particles rather than a violation of the law.

5. How does quantisation of charge affect atoms?

Quantisation of charge is a fundamental property of atoms. The electrons orbiting the nucleus of an atom can only have specific energy levels, which correspond to specific values of electric charge. This explains why atoms have stable and distinct chemical properties.

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