# Charge --- A **charge** is a state of [[matter]], such as an [[atom]] or [[molecule]] that represents the relative number of [[atom|electrons]] and [[atom|protons]] that it has. Protons intrinsically have a positive charge, so matter with more protons than electrons have a **positive charge**. Electrons in intrinsically have a negative charge, so matter with more electrons than protons have a **negative charge**. Neutrons have no charge. ## Ions **[[ion|Ions]]** are charged versions of atoms or molecules. They have an unequal ratio of protons and electrons, which is what gives them a charge. ## Partial Charges, Polarity & Dipoles **Partial charges** arise in some [[molecule|molecules]] whose electrons electrons spend more time at one end over another. They do not have overall charges, just certain regions that are slightely charged. ___