Definition

Noun: 1. A physical property of matter: A negative charge is the electrical state of an object or particle that has gained extra electrons, giving it a surplus of electrons compared to protons. This results in a net negative electric potential. 2. A fundamental concept in electromagnetism: It describes one of the two types of electric charge (the other being positive charge). Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract.

Usage

• Used to describe the inherent property of subatomic particles like electrons.
• Used to describe the net electrical state of a larger object.
• Often discussed in the context of electric fields, forces, and circuits.

Examples

• As a property of a particle:
  • An electron carries a negative charge.
  • The balloon became statically electrified and acquired a negative charge.
• In the context of forces and interactions:
  • Two objects with a negative charge will repel each other.
  • The ion has a negative charge because it gained an extra electron.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold a negative charge": To maintain an excess of electrons.
  • The capacitor's plate can hold a negative charge.
• "Net negative charge": Emphasizes the overall charge after accounting for all protons and electrons.
  • Despite having positive ions, the molecule's overall structure has a net negative charge.

Variants and Related Words

• Negatively charged (adjective): Describing an object that possesses a negative charge.
  • The negatively charged rod attracted the neutral bits of paper.
• Charge (noun): The general property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electromagnetic field.
• Electron (noun): The elementary particle that carries the fundamental unit of negative charge.

Synonyms

• Negative electricity (less common, more historical)
• Minus charge (informal in some technical contexts)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Electrostatic attraction/repulsion: The force between charged objects.
• Electric potential: The amount of work needed to move a unit charge to a specific point; a negatively charged object has a lower electric potential.
• Cation/Anion: In chemistry, an anion is a negatively charged ion.

Noun

1. having a surplus of electrons; having a lower electric potential