Electric charge converter for accurate electric charge unit conversions
This electric charge converter tool helps you perform accurate electric charge conversions between 34 units:
Common electric charge units explained
Learn more about these commonly used electric charge units:
All possible electric charge conversions
Below, we provide an overview of all the electric charge conversions available on this website to help you navigate and utilize our resources efficiently.
What is Electric Charge?
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electric or magnetic field. This property is responsible for electric phenomena and is carried by subatomic particles such as electrons and protons. The electric charge of an object determines its interaction with other charged objects, playing a crucial role in the behavior of electric circuits, materials, and electromagnetic fields.
Units of Electric Charge
Electric charge is measured using the unit called the coulomb (C) in the International System of Units (SI). One coulomb is defined as the amount of charge transported by a constant current of one ampere in one second. In addition to the SI unit, there are other units used in specialized contexts and alternative unit systems.
| Unit | Symbol | Unit System |
|---|---|---|
| Coulomb | C | SI (International System of Units) |
| Elementary Charge | e | Atomic Scale / Fundamental Constant |
| Statcoulomb | statC | CGS (Gaussian units) |
| Faraday | F | Electrochemistry |
Why is Electric Charge Important?
Electric charge is essential in understanding how electric fields and currents work. From the flow of electricity through household wiring to the operation of electronic devices and the principles behind lightning and static electricity, electric charge is the root concept connecting them all.
How is Electric Charge Measured?
Electric charge is typically measured using electrometers or calculated indirectly using the relationship between current and time. In laboratory settings, precise measurements often involve setups like Faraday cups or devices designed to count elementary charges in particle physics experiments.
Types of Electric Charge
There are two types of electric charge: positive and negative. Protons carry a positive charge, while electrons carry a negative charge. The attraction and repulsion between these charges underlie all electromagnetic interactions, from atomic bonding to electric circuits.
FAQs
What is the difference between electric charge and electric current?
Electric charge is the physical property carried by particles, while electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor over time. Current is measured in amperes, while charge is measured in coulombs.
Can electric charge be created or destroyed?
Electric charge is conserved, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred from one object or system to another, which is why objects can become charged or discharged.
Why do objects get electrically charged?
Objects become electrically charged through friction, conduction, or induction. When electrons are transferred between materials, the imbalance leads to one object becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged.
What is the elementary charge value?
The elementary charge is approximately 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs. It represents the magnitude of the electric charge carried by a single proton or the negative of that for an electron.
How does electric charge affect everyday life?
Electric charge is fundamental to the functioning of all electronic devices, the transmission of power, and even natural phenomena like lightning and auroras. It also governs the structure of atoms and molecules, influencing chemistry and material science.