Step 1: Electric Charge Definition
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that results in a force when present in an electric field. The SI unit for electric charge is established in relation to electric current.
Step 2: Option Analysis
- Coulomb (C): This is the SI unit for electric charge. It represents the charge carried by a steady current of 1 ampere flowing for 1 second: \[ 1 \, \text{C} = 1 \, \text{A} \cdot 1 \, \text{s} \] - Ampere (A): This is the SI unit for electric current, quantifying the rate of charge flow: \[ 1 \, \text{A} = \frac{1 \, \text{C}}{1 \, \text{s}} \] - Volt (V): This is the SI unit for electric potential difference (voltage), defined as: \[ 1 \, \text{V} = \frac{1 \, \text{J}}{1 \, \text{C}} \] - Joule (J): This is the SI unit for energy or work, defined as: \[ 1 \, \text{J} = 1 \, \text{N} \cdot \text{m} = 1 \, \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 \]
Step 3: Determination
The Coulomb is the sole SI unit representing electric charge.