Electric charge — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A property responsible for electric interactions. In this introductory model, excess electrons give an object net negative charge and an electron deficit can give it net positive charge. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- A fundamental property of matter that comes in two types, positive and negative, measured in coulombs (C). (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Electric & Magnetic Forces — Forces, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Electric Charge & Fields — Electricity, Magnetism & Circuits, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Electric and magnetic forces are related but are not interchangeable: a stationary electric charge and a permanent magnet require different introductory models.
Electric & Magnetic Forces
Everything you touch is built from atoms, and buried inside every atom is electric charge.
Electric Charge & Fields
Questions using electric charge
Problem 1
Electric charge flows easily through:
- an insulator like glass
- a conductor like copper
- an insulator like rubber
- a vacuum only
Answer and explanation
a conductor like copper
Conductors such as copper have free electrons, so charge moves through them easily; insulators do not.
Taught alongside
- field
- repel
- controlled variable
- model
- evidence
- system boundary
- assumption
- polarization
- current
- coil
- electromagnet
- compass
- Coulomb's law
- electric field