Charge-to-Mass Ratio

Why electrons dominate particle motion

Full Analysis

Intel Stream Decrypted

The charge-to-mass ratio (q/m) determines how strongly a particle responds to electromagnetic vs gravitational forces. Electrons have an enormous q/m ratio (~1.76×10¹¹ C/kg) because their mass is tiny relative to their charge. This is why in plasma fields, electromagnetic forces 'toss particles around' long before gravity gets a 'vote.' For dust particles in ionized environments, even small charge imbalances make Fe >> Fg.

Strategic_Takeaway

"High q/m ratio means electromagnetic forces dominate over gravity."

Universal_Constants

electron q m

1.759e11 C/kg

proton q m

9.578e7 C/kg

ratio difference

~1836x