Question about subatomic charges

[Frothy]

Why exactly are electrons/protons/neutrons negative/positive/neutral, how were they given their charge, and how can (could) we manipulate their charges?

Any links or book recomendations would be wonderful.

[n9xv]

I thought subatomic charges were those "hidden" charges in my checking account.

- - - just kidding!

You have stumbled onto the very mysteries of the universe. I dont think anyone really knows or can explain how it is so. Although, if they can I will be eager to listen.

[Frothy]

Hah

I havn't been able to find any information on it, but I havn't looked much either. I'm sure there is plenty of theory on it, though.

I'll give Google a few hours tomarrow if noone here can point me in the right direction.

[thingmaker3]

I've usually found good introduction to such mysteries on the Hyperphyics Website. (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html) Try the "Quantum Physics" link from their main page.