Answer to Question #78271 in Physics for Kermini T. Womba Jr.

Question

Why do you think it took people so long to formulate the notion of electric charge, whereas mass has been recognized since antiquity?

Answer 1

Mass refers to the measure of an object's inertia, which means the ability of an object to resist changes in motion. It can be easily sensed by a human. Everyone can exert a force to lift, push, pull different objects and make conclusions about their mass. At the same time, a charge cannot be sensed. One can only suspect the existence of a charge by observing indirect consequences of a charge. Therefore, it took time for people to investigate the charge-related observations, develop equipment, set up experiments, and make conclusions.