Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Physics · key term
A comparison of electric charge using proton charge as +1 and electron charge as −1.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 10.1 · Paper 2
Revise: Atomic StructureThe charge numbers are relative charges, not charges measured in coulombs. A proton's positive charge and an electron's negative charge are equal in size but opposite in sign. A neutron has no electric charge.
When asked to describe a subatomic particle, give all three requested properties: its position, relative mass and relative charge.
Do not confuse mass with charge: an electron has a negative relative charge, but its relative mass is very small rather than negative.
Remember that a neutron is neutral; it has a relative charge of 0, not a relative mass of 0.
Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.