A charged particle is a particle that carries an electric charge. This charge can be either positive or negative. Charged particles are created when an atom loses or gains electrons. The loss or gain of electrons results in an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons in the atom, which creates an electric charge.
Charged particles can be found in a variety of places, including:
- Atoms: Atoms are composed of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons, which orbit the nucleus. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons have no charge. When an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes a charged particle.
- Molecules: Molecules are composed of two or more atoms that are bonded together. If the atoms in a molecule have different electronegativities, the electrons in the molecule will be shared unequally. This unequal sharing of electrons can create a charge separation, which results in a charged particle.
- Solids: Solids are composed of atoms, molecules, or ions that are arranged in a regular pattern. The electrons in a solid are typically shared between the atoms, molecules, or ions, which results in a neutral charge. However, if a solid is subjected to an electric field, the electrons in the solid can be displaced, which can result in a charged particle.
- Liquids: Liquids are composed of atoms, molecules, or ions that are not arranged in a regular pattern. The electrons in a liquid are typically shared between the atoms, molecules, or ions, which results in a neutral charge. However, if a liquid is subjected to an electric field, the ions in the liquid can be displaced, which can result in a charged particle.
- Gases: Gases are composed of atoms, molecules, or ions that are not arranged in a regular pattern. The electrons in a gas are typically shared between the atoms, molecules, or ions, which results in a neutral charge. However, if a gas is subjected to an electric field, the electrons in the gas can be displaced, which can result in a charged particle.
Charged particles play an important role in many physical phenomena, including:
- Electricity: Electricity is the flow of charged particles. Charged particles can flow through conductors, such as metals, and insulators, such as rubber. The flow of charged particles through a conductor is what creates an electric current.
- Magnetism: Magnetism is the interaction between charged particles. Charged particles moving in a magnetic field experience a force. This force is what creates magnets.
- Chemical reactions: Chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons between atoms or molecules. The transfer of electrons can result in the formation of charged particles.