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Electric charge

Definition

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that determines how it interacts with electric fields. It can be positive or negative.

Analogy

Imagine electric charge as different flavors of ice cream. Positive charge is like vanilla ice cream, while negative charge is like chocolate ice cream. Just as these flavors have distinct characteristics, positive and negative charges have opposite properties.

Related terms

Electric field: A region around charged objects where electric forces act on other charged objects.

Coulomb's Law: A mathematical equation that describes the force between two charged objects.

Conservation of Charge: The principle stating that electric charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or redistributed.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.