Step 1: Define electric charge
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field. The SI unit for electric charge is defined in the context of electric current.
Step 2: Analyze each option
- Coulomb (C): The Coulomb is the SI unit of electric charge. It is defined as the charge transported by a constant current of 1 ampere in 1 second: \[ 1 \, \text{C} = 1 \, \text{A} \cdot 1 \, \text{s} \] - Ampere (A): The Ampere is the SI unit of electric current, measuring the flow of charge per unit time: \[ 1 \, \text{A} = \frac{1 \, \text{C}}{1 \, \text{s}} \] - Volt (V): The Volt is the SI unit of electric potential difference or voltage, defined as: \[ 1 \, \text{V} = \frac{1 \, \text{J}}{1 \, \text{C}} \] - Joule (J): The Joule is the SI unit of 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: Conclusion
Only the Coulomb is the unit of electric charge.