Elementary Charge

Key Stage 5

The elementary charge (e) is the charge of a proton, +1.60x10^-19.

The W⁺ boson, π⁺ meson and K⁺ meson all carry the elementary charge (+1.60x10^-19).

The electron, W^- boson, π^- meson and K^- meson all carry an charge the same magnitude as the elementary charge but with the opposite sign (-1.60x10^-19).

During the weak interaction both quarks and leptons can change in charge by a magnitude of the elementary charge.