What Is The Meaning Of Positive Charge?

Atomic Structure

• All ordinary matter has atoms, which comprise protons, electrons and -- sometimes -- neutrons. Electrons are small, fast and they constantly orbit the slower and larger protons and neutrons. Georgia State University notes that although the proton has 1,836 times the mass of an electron, both have the same amount of magnetic force, also known as an electrostatic field.

Electric Charge

• When magnetic force is measured, it's called an electric charge. Protons have a positive charge, while electrons are negative. Neutrons are neutral, not possessing any electrical charge. Georgia State notes that the terms "positive" and "negative" are arbitrary, but historical labels.

Neutral Charge

• Under magnetism's physical laws, one positive charge when paired with a negative charge will cancel each other out, creating a neutral charge. If an atom, molecule or other object has an equal number of protons as it does electrons, its net charge is zero. Atoms and molecules, naturally, are electrically neutral, as they have an equal number of electrons and protons, according to the University of Tennessee.

Positive Charge

• A positive charge occurs when the number of protons exceeds the number of electrons. As of publication, there is not any known process by which to change the electric charge of protons and electrons, such as swapping a negative for a positive charge. However, it is possible to create a positive charge by adding protons to an atom or object that currently has a neutral charge. A positive charge can also be created by removing electrons from a neutrally charged object.

Ionization

• The process by which atoms or molecules can gain or lose electrons -- thus changing the electrical charge -- is called ionization. Falling water, wind and lightning are natural ionization methods that increase negative charges. Though the word "positive" sounds promising and beneficial, positively charged molecules have several adverse affects in nature and humans. For instance, when oxygen molecules have a positive charge, they can reduce lung function, increase blood pressure and cause headaches, dizziness, sore throats and more problems.