What is the base unit of charge?

The base unit of charge in the International System of Units (SI) is the coulomb. It is defined as the amount of electric charge transferred by a constant current of one ampere in one second. This fundamental unit is essential in understanding electrical phenomena, as it quantifies the amount of electricity involved in electrostatic interactions.

The coulomb is directly related to other electrical units; for instance, one coulomb is equal to the charge of approximately 6.242 x 10^18 elementary charges, such as electrons. Understanding this concept is critical when analyzing circuits or electromagnetic fields, as charge plays a pivotal role in the behavior of electrical components.

In contrast to the other options, the volt measures electric potential difference, the ohm measures electrical resistance, and the watt measures power. While these units are all essential in the study of electricity and electronics, they represent different aspects and cannot replace the foundational role of the coulomb as the unit of electric charge.