Electric Charge and its Important Points

by Grosap •

Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of forces, fields, and potentials arising from static charges.

Electric Charge

Electric Charge is the property of matter due to which it produces and experiences the electric and magnetic effect. Simply we define, electron or proton are called Electric Charge.

Types of Electric Charge

  1. Positive Charge (Proton)
  2. Negative Charge (Electron)

Some Important Points

  • Electric Charge is a scalar quantity.
  • Its SI unit is C (Coulomb).
  • The term Electricity is coined from the Greek word elektron meaning amber (fossilized tree resin).
  • Polarity of charge - It is the property that differentiates the two types of charge.
  • There are two types of electrification: (i) Like charges repel and (ii) Unlike charges attract each other.
  • If an object possesses an electric charge, it is said to be electrified or charged.
  • When an object has no charge, it is said to be neutral.
  • To electrify a neutral body, we need to add or remove one kind of charge.
  • Unlike charges acquired by the objects neutralise each others effect.
  • Positively charged body - If the body losses an electron.
  • Negatively charged body - If the body gains an electron.

  • Pith ball - It is a small, lightweight object that picks up electric charge easily.

  • Conventionally, glass rod, cat's fur are positively charged and plastic rod, silk, wool, nylon, etc are negatively charged.

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