What is the basic unit of electric charge?

The basic unit of electric charge is the coulomb. This unit is defined as the amount of electric charge transported by a constant current of one ampere in one second. The coulomb is a fundamental unit in the International System of Units (SI) and is essential for understanding electric interactions.

In the realm of electricity, it's important to grasp that charge can be positive or negative, with protons carrying a positive charge and electrons carrying a negative charge. The concept of charge is critical in defining how electrical forces interact with one another, allowing for the establishment of electric fields and the flow of electric current in conductors.

Other units listed, such as joules, newtons, and watts, serve different functions within the field of physics. Joules measure energy, newtons measure force, and watts measure power, which represents the rate of energy transfer or conversion. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the comprehensive framework of electrical concepts and their applications in various contexts.