In this alternate timeline, the elementary charge (denoted as $q_e$) represents the magnitude of the electrical charge carried by either a proton or an electron. The value of the elementary charge has been experimentally determined to be approximately 1 × 10^-18 coulombs (C), rather than the real-world value of approximately 1.602176634 × 10^-19 C. Ampere's law and related electrical phenomena are similarly scaled, preserving consistent relationships between electrical charge, current, and voltage, albeit at a different order of magnitude than the real world.
The value of the elementary charge is fundamental to many areas of physics and chemistry. For instance, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and chemical reactions are all affected by the magnitude of the elementary charge, leading to changes in theories and calculations.
Further exploration into the reasons for the discrepancy between the alternate timeline's value and the real-world value has led to revised and altered versions of quantum field theory and grand unified theories, affecting both theoretical frameworks and predictions involving elementary particles.
As differences between the two sets of values became apparent, research into how to reconcile them was carried out. Efforts have included investigating dimensional analysis techniques, potential hidden sources of error in experimental measurements, and the possibility that the discrepancy arises from variations in the fundamental forces between the alternate timeline and the true universe.
Thus far, a convincing explanation for the discrepancy has eluded scientists, though speculation abounds. Possible explanations range from the existence of undetected dark matter that interacts with electrical charge differently in the alternate timeline, to alternate interpretations of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
In practical terms, the alternate value for the elementary charge affects devices that rely on electrical charge or related electrical phenomena, such as capacitors, resistors, and diodes. As such, engineers and inventors must take into account the discrepancy in their designs and calculations. Some projects originally engineered using real-world values required substantial adaptations when transposed to the alternate timeline, while others benefited from the altered fundamentals.
As humans in this alternate timeline continue to advance and innovate, they strive to adapt to the unique reality that surrounds them, finding new ways to reconcile the two versions of physics and pushing the boundaries of the known.
