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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I've usually found good introduction to such mysteries on the Hyperphyics Website. Try the "Quantum Physics" link from their main page.