Electric Charge

physics · electricity · forces · matter

Two types of charge. Electric charge comes in two flavors: positive and negative. These are just labels scientists use, but they work like magic when they get close to each other.

Opposite charges attract. A positive charge and a negative charge pull toward each other like magnets. It's one of the most fundamental forces in nature, making atoms stick together and electricity flow.

Same charges repel. Two positive charges (or two negative charges) push away from each other. This is why they seem to have an invisible force field keeping them apart.

Neutral means balanced. An object with equal amounts of positive and negative charge is electrically neutral, which means it doesn't push or pull on other charges. Most everyday objects around you are neutral.

Powers the world. Understanding electric charge is the key to everything electrical, from lightning storms to the smartphone in your pocket to the electricity lighting your home.