nettolading

Netto ladning, or nettolading, is a term used in physics and chemistry to describe the overall electric charge of a system, particle, or object. It is defined as the sum of the electric charges carried by all constituents, and is often expressed as an integer multiple of the elementary charge e or in coulombs (q = n e, with e ≈ 1.602×10−19 C).

For atoms and ions, the net charge arises from the balance between protons and electrons. A neutral atom has equal numbers of protons and electrons and thus a net charge of zero. A cation has fewer electrons than protons, giving a positive net charge; an anion has more electrons, giving a negative net charge. For molecules, clusters, or solids, the net charge is the algebraic sum of the charges of all atoms or subunits. Some species carry a net charge, while most neutral molecules have net charge zero.

Net charge affects how objects interact electrostatically: it governs forces described by Coulomb’s law, influences stability and solubility, and determines movement in electric fields. In biology, chemistry, and materials science, the net charge of molecules depends on ionizable groups and, in many cases, on the pH of the environment, which changes their ionization states.

Measurement and modeling: In experiments, net charge can be inferred from ionization states, titration data, electrophoretic mobility, or observation of migration in electric fields. In computational modeling, the net charge is specified for the system; simulations of charged systems often include considerations such as neutralizing backgrounds in periodic boundary conditions.

See also: Ion, charge, Coulomb’s law, Zeta potential, Ionization.