1. What is Net Electric Charge?

The net electric charge is the algebraic sum of all individual charges in a system. For two charges, it's simply the sum of Q₁ and Q₂. This principle follows the law of charge conservation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the net charge equation:

Where:

• \( Q_{net} \) — Net electric charge (Coulombs)
• \( Q_1 \) — First electric charge (Coulombs)
• \( Q_2 \) — Second electric charge (Coulombs)

Explanation: The equation simply adds the two charges together. Remember that charges can be positive or negative, so the net charge may be smaller than either individual charge.

3. Importance of Net Charge Calculation

Details: Calculating net charge is fundamental in electrostatics, helping determine electric fields, forces between charged particles, and understanding charge distributions in systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both charges in Coulombs. The calculator accepts both positive and negative values. The result will be in Coulombs (C).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the unit of electric charge?
A: The SI unit of electric charge is the Coulomb (C). 1 C equals approximately 6.242×10¹⁸ elementary charges.

Q2: Can the net charge be zero?
A: Yes, if Q₁ = -Q₂ (equal magnitude but opposite signs), the net charge will be zero (neutral system).

Q3: How does this apply to more than two charges?
A: For multiple charges, simply extend the equation: Q_net = Q₁ + Q₂ + Q₃ + ... + Q_n.

Q4: What's the difference between charge and current?
A: Charge (Q) is a property of matter measured in Coulombs, while current (I) is the flow of charge per unit time (Amperes = Coulombs/second).

Q5: How precise should my charge measurements be?
A: Precision depends on your application. The calculator accepts up to 4 decimal places for precise calculations.