Electrical Engineering ⇒ Topic : Nature of Electricity

Nature of Electricity

We know that matter is electrical in nature i.e. it contains particles of electricity viz, protons and electrons. The positive charge on a proton is equal to the negative charge on an electron. Whether a given body exhibits electricity (i.e. charge) or not depends upon the relative number of these particles of electricity.

• If the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons in a body, the resultant charge is zero and the body will be electrically neutral. Thus, the paper of this book is electrically neutral (i.e. paper exhibits no charge) because it has the same number of protons and electrons.
• If from a neutral body, some *electrons are removed, there occurs a deficit of electrons in the body. Consequently, the body attains a positive charge.
•  If a neutral body is supplied with electrons, there occurs an excess of electrons. Consequently, the body attains a negative charge.