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Answer
An electron has a charge of **−1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs**.
Solution
The charge of an electron is **−1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs**. This fundamental constant is known as the **elementary charge** and represents the smallest unit of electric charge that is considered indivisible in classical physics. The negative sign indicates that electrons carry a negative charge, which plays a crucial role in the structure of atoms and the behavior of electricity.
**Key Points:**
- **Value:** −1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
- **Symbol:** e⁻
- **Significance:** Determines the electrical properties of atoms and molecules, and is essential in the study of electromagnetism, chemistry, and physics.
This charge is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the charge of a proton, which is **+1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs**.
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Simplify this solution Beyond the Answer
The charge of an electron is approximately -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs. This tiny charge is essential to the behavior of atoms, as it influences how electrons interact with protons and other charged particles, creating the backbone for electrical phenomena and chemistry as we know it. In the world of particle physics, the negative charge of an electron plays a pivotal role in forming atomic structure. Electrons occupy orbitals around the nucleus due to their electrically attractive nature towards protons, leading to the formation of atoms and, ultimately, everything around us—from the air we breathe to the stars in the sky!
