I understand the basics, protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and the electron has a negative charge. But looking at the lines of force from a proton, they flow outward and push each other away. But, the electrons flow inward or towards themselves. How does that make them repel? Wouldn't they be more neutral towards themselves? I understand that the lines of force cannot cross as well. I'm sure this is an easy answer for someone.
[Physics] How do electrons repel
electricityelectrostatics
Best Answer
The lines of force represent the direction a free positive charge would move if one was present. The reason the lines of force are in the outward direction from a proton is because a proton will repel a proton, and thus move outwards. The reason the lines of force are inwards for an electron, is because an electron would attract a proton, thus the proton would move inwards.
So to summarize, force lines are defined to be in the direction a POSITIVE charge would move, if one were present. This is just a human convention/definition.
An electron has the opposite charge properties to a positive charge, and a free electron will move in the direction that opposes the force lines. So an electron will move away from another negative charge, and towards a positive charge.