Electrostatic Charge

Atomic Structure

• If number of positive charges in nucleus = number of negative charges, the atom is neutral

Types of Electrostatic Charges

Positive charges

• Consists of:
  • Protons
  • Positive ions - formed by atoms losing electrons

Negative charges

• Consists of:
  • Electrons
  • Negative ions - formed by atoms gaining electrons

Others

• SI unit - coulomb (C)
• A proton has a positive charge of {1.6\times10^{-19}} C
• An electron has a negative charge of {1.6 \times 10^{-19}} C