Electricity is the fundamental force that shapes our modern world. At the heart of this phenomenon are electric charges , which are tiny particles responsible for electromagnetic interactions. In this article, we will explore the different types of electrical charges, discover their fascinating properties and understand how they affect our daily lives.

Types of electric charges (2): positive and negative charges

Definition of electric charge

The basic concept of electric charges is their polarity: positive and negative. We will explain how positively ( protons ) and negatively ( electrons ) charged particles interact to form the electrical forces that govern electricity.

The presence and movement of electric charges are the basis of electric current and the production of electricity, that is, they interact with each other to cause electromagnetic interactions, which creates phenomena such as attraction and repulsion between charged objects. It is essential to power our electronic devices, light our homes, and power our daily lives. Therefore, understanding electric charges is crucial to various fields of science and technology.

Types of electric charges

-What are the types of electric charges?
In fact, there are only two types of electric charges:  positive (+) charges and negative (-) charges . Positive charges are associated with an increase in protons ( positively charged particles ) or a lack of electrons ( negatively charged particles ).

Negative and positive charges interact with each other creating electromagnetic forces of attraction or repulsion, depending on their polarity. These electrical interactions are the basis of many phenomena observed in nature and are responsible for the operation of many modern technologies.

Positive electrical charge

Positive electrical charges are the basic properties of objects or particles that contain an excess of protons over electrons. This means that an object with a positive charge contains more protons than electrons. They are used in many applications, such as power generation, static electricity, solar cells and laser printing. Their use is essential in different fields such as science and technology, affecting our daily lives in multiple ways.

Negative electrical charge

Negative electrical charges are characterized by attraction toward positive charges and repulsion toward other negative charges, and they are responsible for the movement of electric current. They play an essential role in light production, magnetic properties, and electrolytic deposition, and are essential in many electrical, magnetic, and chemical phenomena.

Static electricity

-Is static electric charge a type of electrical charge?
Static electricity is not a type of electrical charge in itself, but rather a phenomenon related to electrical charges or otherwise called electrostatic electricity.

Static electricity is the accumulation and presence of electrical charges on objects or particles. They are generated when electrons are transferred from one body to another through friction, contact, or electrostatic induction. Electrostatic charges can be positive  (+)  or negative  (-)  depending on the excess or deficiency of electrons relative to the neutral charge.

When positive and negative charges accumulate on the surface of a material, it becomes electrically charged. This can cause effects such as attraction to light objects, electrical discharge (sparks) when excess charges jump between two objects, or electrical interference in electronic devices.

Artificial electrical charges

Artificial electrical charges are electrical charges that are intentionally created on objects or materials in specific ways. These charges can be positive or negative and are used in various practical applications, from electronic devices to industrial technologies.

Artificial positive charge

These  following examples illustrate how artificial positive charges are used in many practical applications:

1. Photocopiers and laser printers : An artificial positive charge is created on a photoconductive drum inside these machines, thus attracting the negatively charged ink to the paper to create images.

2. Electricity generators : In electrical generators, artificial positive charges can be produced by removing electrons from the material, resulting in an excess of positive charges that generate an electrical current as they move.

Artificial negative charge

Here  are some examples of ways to use artificial negative charge:

1. Dust Capture : Electrostatic dust capture devices use artificial negative charges to attract and capture positively charged particles, such as dust, to improve air quality in industrial and domestic environments.

2. Displays and electronic devices : Some display technologies, such as LCD and plasma displays, use artificial negative charges to control the transmission of light and display images.

3. Electroplating : In industry, artificial negative charges can be used to attract and deposit positively charged metal ions, thus enabling the plating of metallic materials.

Induced electrical charge

It is a phenomenon in which an electrical charge is created or moved on an object without it being in direct contact with a source of electrical charge. This phenomenon generally results from the effect of an external electric or magnetic field on the body.

When an object is placed near another object or source of electrical charge, charges can move within the object in response to the applied electric field, causing the charges to separate. This induced separation can lead to net charge accumulations on some parts of the body, leaving a positively charged area and a negatively charged area.

A common example of an induced electric charge is a metal object placed near a source of electric charge or an external electric field. Electrons in a metal object are attracted or repelled by the electric field, causing charges to shift and the accumulation of positive or negative charges on opposite surfaces of the object.

There are two types of electric charges  : positive charges (+) and negative charges (-). These charges play an important role in our understanding of electromagnetic forces and electricity. By exploring different types of electrical charges, we gain deeper insight into the electrical phenomena that govern our world. This understanding is essential for future technological innovation and improving our daily lives.