Charge Density | Linear, Surface, Volume

Charge Density-

 

The electric charges may be distributed on extended or continuous bodies.

 

The electric charge distributed per unit dimension (length, area or volume) is called as charge density.

 

Types of Charge Densities-

 

There can be three types of charge densities-

 

 

1. Linear charge density
2. Surface charge density
3. Volume charge density

 

1. Linear Charge Density-

 

The electric charge distributed per unit length is called as linear charge density. It is denoted by λ.

 

 

If charge Q is distributed over a thin wire of length L, then its linear charge density is given by-

 

• Its SI unit is coulomb per meter denoted as Cm^-1.
• Its dimensional formula is [M⁰L^-1T¹A¹].

 

2. Surface Charge Density-

 

The electric charge distributed per unit area is called as surface charge density. It is denoted by σ.

 

 

If charge Q is distributed over a surface of area A, then its surface charge density is given by-

 

• Its SI unit is coulomb per square meter denoted as Cm^-2.
• Its dimensional formula is [M⁰L^-2T¹A¹].

 

3. Volume Charge Density-

 

The electric charge distributed per unit volume is called as volume charge density. It is denoted by ρ.

 

 

If charge Q is distributed over a volume V, then its volume charge density is given by-

 

• Its SI unit is coulomb per cubic meter denoted as Cm^-3.
• Its dimensional formula is [M⁰L^-3T¹A¹].

 

Read the next article on-

Electric Field Due To A Thin Infinite Long Line Charge

 

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