Electric charge, a fundamental concept in physics, underpins the structure of atoms, with electrons and protons holding everything together through their charges. Despite a deep understanding of charge, physicists have long pondered why the smallest unit of charge observed in nature corresponds to that of an electron, with no fractional charges detected despite theoretical predictions suggesting their existence. This mystery remains a significant question in the field, hinting at the potential for undiscovered aspects of the universe. Recent developments in string theory, a leading framework for understanding the universe’s fundamental forces, have revitalized interest in the search for these elusive fractional charges. In a groundbreaking effort, experiments at CERN, the world-renowned particle physics laboratory in Switzerland, are now underway to search for particles with charges significantly smaller than an electron’s. This endeavor could dramatically reshape our understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, offering new insights into the very fabric of the universe.
Read more at New Scientist…
