The minimum charge on an object is

Options

A. 1 coulomb
B. 1 stat coulomb
C. `1.6xx10^(-19)` coulomb
D. `3.2xx10^(-19)` coulomb

Answer

To determine the minimum charge on an object, we need to consider the fundamental charge of elementary particles, specifically the charge of an electron or a proton.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Charge**:
- Every object is made up of atoms, which consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit around the nucleus. The charge of an object is determined by the balance of protons and electrons.

2. **Charge of Fundamental Particles**:
- The charge of an electron is approximately \( -1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) coulombs.
- The charge of a proton is approximately \( +1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) coulombs.

3. **Minimum Charge Concept**:
- The minimum charge that can exist on an object is determined by the smallest unit of charge, which is the charge of a single electron or proton. Since charges can only exist in integral multiples of the charge of an electron or proton, the smallest non-zero charge is \( 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) coulombs.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the minimum charge on an object is \( 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) coulombs.

### Final Answer:
The minimum charge on an object is \( 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) coulombs.

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