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changing charges

samtheflash82
in Modern and Theoretical Physics

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So is it possible to change the charge of a given particle? For example could you change the positive charge of a proton to a negative charge, thus changing it to an electron? I'm not asking if we as humans can do this, i am asking simply if it is possible.

No, it's not. Charge is conserved.

 

What is possible is to have the particle undergo an interaction that changes it into a different particle, or creates other particles, that have the desired characteristics. But if you start with a proton, you will still have one fundamental charge when all of your reactions are done.

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what is a charge in an electron or proton?

 

the proton has a positive charge, while the electron has a negative charge.

its a property of the particle, its not made of anything.

 

its like asking what your velocity is made of.

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