How much electric charge does an electron carry?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

An electron carries a fundamental unit of electric charge, which is approximately 1.6 x 10^-19 Coulombs. This value is universally accepted as the charge of a single electron and is a key constant in physics, often denoted by the letter 'e'. Understanding that the coulomb is the unit of electric charge in the International System of Units (SI) helps to clarify that this is the correct measurement for the charge of an electron.

Regarding other units mentioned, joules measure energy, amperes indicate the flow of electric current, and volts represent electric potential difference. None of these units are suitable for quantifying the electric charge itself, reinforcing that only the option referring to coulombs is correct in this context.

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