Continuous Charge Distribution

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As we all know that the charge is always quantized. Pertaining to the smallest amount of charge is that it can exist as +e or –e. It is the charge present on an electron and proton.

The total space covered by any charge in dimensions is very small as compared to the distance between the two charges from an observation point.

That observation point can be taken as a point charge.

In a continuous charge distribution, all the charges are closely bound together i.e. having very less space between them.

But this closely bound system doesn't means that the electric charge is uninterrupted.

It clears that the distribution of separate charges is continuous, having a minor space between them means the charge is uniformly distributed over the conductor and infinite numbers of charges are closely packed and have minor space between them.

Types of continuous charged distributions

1. Linear Charge Distribution

In the case charge is not evenly distributed over the length of the conductor, it is called linear Charge Density or linear charge distribution.

λ = q/l

SI unit of linear charge is C/m(Coulomb per metres) and linear charge density denoted by λ (Lambda)

2. Surface Charge Distribution

In the case charge is uniformly distributed over the conductor surface, it is called Surface Charge Density or Surface Charge Distribution.

Suppose a charge q is uniformly distributed over a surface of area A.

Then the surface density s defined as the charge per unit area.

σ = q/A

SI unit of s is C/m²(Coulomb per square metres).

3. Volume Charge Distribution

In the case charge is distributed over a driver's volume, it is called Volume Charge Density or Volume Charge Distribution

Suppose a charge q is uniformly distributed over a driver's volume V.

ρ = q/V

SI unit of s is C/m³(Coulomb per cubic metres) and It is denoted by the ρ (rho)

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