Electrical Charge - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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Electrical charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. It comes in two types: positive and negative, with like charges repelling and opposite charges attracting each other.

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Opposite charges attract, like charges repel

At a basic level, electrical charge is carried by subatomic particles, such as electrons, which have a negative charge, and protons, which have a positive charge.

The unit of charge is the coulomb (C), and in GCSE Physics, understanding electrical charge is essential for studying electricity, circuits, and electromagnetism.

This concept helps explain how electric currents flow, how objects become charged through friction, and many other phenomena related to electric forces.

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Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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