| English | Electric charge |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Cas elektrik |
| 中文 | 电荷 |
Definition
A basic property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field; measured in coulombs (C).
In exam terms
Electric charge, symbol Q, is a basic property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field. It is measured in coulombs (C) and is related to current by Q = It, where I is current and t is time.
One coulomb is the charge that passes a point when a current of 1 A flows for 1 s. Charge is carried by electrons (negative) and protons (positive).
Example of correct use: a current of 2 A flowing for 3 s transfers a charge of Q = It = 2 A × 3 s = 6 C.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse electric charge with electric current. Charge Q is the amount of electricity, measured in coulombs; current I is the rate of flow of charge, I = Q/t, measured in amperes. A large charge can pass slowly (small current) or quickly (large current) depending on the time taken.
In Paper 2, questions may ask you to calculate the charge from current and time, or to define the coulomb; be clear that current is the rate of flow, not the charge itself.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)