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Charged particle

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In physics, a charged particle is a particle with an electric charge. It may be an ion, such as a molecule or atom with a surplus or deficit of electrons relative to protons. It can also be an electron or a proton, or another elementary particle, which are all believed to have the same charge[1] (except antimatter). Another charged particle may be an atomic nucleus devoid of electrons, such as an alpha particle.

A plasma is a collection of charged particles, atomic nuclei and separated electrons, but can also be a gas containing a significant proportion of charged particles.

Examples

Positively charged particles

Negatively charged particles

Particles without an electric charge

References

  1. ^ Frisch, David H.; Thorndike, Alan M. (1964). Elementary Particles. Princeton, New Jersey: David Van Nostrand. p. 54.