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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/electric charge
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Question
How does an element become charged? For example, a proton has a positive charge. But how does it get that way? Where does a 'charge' come from to 'make' a proton or electron 'charged' at all? I was led to this because I'm trying to understand the potassium/sodium interchange in a cell etc. Thank you.
What you are asking is verging on the edge of philosophy instead of science, because whichever explanation you go with, you have to ask "why" again. Sort of like asking what was there BEFORE the Big Bang. No matter, the explanations are far to complicated to reproduce here. I suggest you do google searches on "quantum mechanics" or "big bang" and a combination of the two. Also, search on "string theory" if you want to go to the very bizzare levels of the discussions which says there are no protons, just combinations of strings.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr.
Expertise
No homework, biochemistry, or other schoolwork! The question will be rejected. If you have not searched www.google.com, do so before posting. If you are a student, give your grade and course. Everyone, explain the purpose and context for the question.
Experience in the area
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Experience
Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.
Education/Credentials
PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry
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