Question

why does a charged object necessarily have an integral multiple of the fundamental charge?
multiple choice
a surplus of electrons creates a positive charge by adding the charges of the electrons.
the fundamental charge is the charge of one electron, and charged objects have a surplus or deficiency of electrons.
a deficiency of electrons creates a negative charge by subtracting the charges of the electrons.

Explanation:

The fundamental charge \( e\) is the charge of one electron (\(e = 1.6\times10^{-19}\ C\)). A charged object has a surplus (negative charge) or deficiency (positive charge) of electrons. Since electrons are discrete particles, the total charge \(Q\) of the object is \(Q = ne\), where \(n\) is an integer.

• Option A: A surplus of electrons creates a negative charge (not positive), so this option is incorrect.
• Option B: As explained above, the fundamental charge is the charge of one electron, and charged objects have a surplus or deficiency of electrons (discrete particles), so the charge is an integral multiple of the fundamental charge. This option is correct.
• Option C: A deficiency of electrons creates a positive charge (not negative), so this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The fundamental charge is the charge of one electron, and charged objects have a surplus or deficiency of electrons.