Charge Distribution

Before explaining the topic of charge distribution, let us first understand the two main types of distributions we come across. For example, we have 20 candles and arrange them in the room during a festival. We can count the number of candles in our collection. This type of distribution of candles in the room is known as discrete distribution. 

Get started

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What is the surface charge density of a sphere with the net charge of \(100\,\mathrm{C}\) on its surface and a radius of \(2\,\mathrm{m}\)?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The charge density of the rod where the charge is distributed along the length of the rod is known as ____.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Which of the following methods can be used to turn an uncharged conductor into a polarized conductor?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The distribution of charge ina conductor can be affected by the presence of an external electric field.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What happens if we do not move the metal sphere away from each other after charging by conduction?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Charge is re-distributed on the surface of conductors during the process of charging by friction.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Which of the following is/are types of charge distribution?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

How is excess charge distributed around an insulator?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What is the linear charge density of a rod with a net charge of \(10\,\mathrm{C}\) along its length and a length of \(5\,\mathrm{m}\)?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The mobility of the charge carrier is greater in insulators as compared to in conductors.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What will happen if some electric charge is injected onto the surface of an insulator?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What is the surface charge density of a sphere with the net charge of \(100\,\mathrm{C}\) on its surface and a radius of \(2\,\mathrm{m}\)?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The charge density of the rod where the charge is distributed along the length of the rod is known as ____.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Which of the following methods can be used to turn an uncharged conductor into a polarized conductor?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The distribution of charge ina conductor can be affected by the presence of an external electric field.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What happens if we do not move the metal sphere away from each other after charging by conduction?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Charge is re-distributed on the surface of conductors during the process of charging by friction.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

Which of the following is/are types of charge distribution?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

How is excess charge distributed around an insulator?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What is the linear charge density of a rod with a net charge of \(10\,\mathrm{C}\) along its length and a length of \(5\,\mathrm{m}\)?

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

The mobility of the charge carrier is greater in insulators as compared to in conductors.

Show Answer
  • + Add tag
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Mo

What will happen if some electric charge is injected onto the surface of an insulator?

Show Answer

Review generated flashcards

Sign up for free
You have reached the daily AI limit

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team Charge Distribution Teachers

  • 11 minutes reading time
  • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
Save Article Save Article
Contents
Contents

Jump to a key chapter

    It seems like the room is still missing something. Let's bring some colored powder into the picture to add some flair. Now we start spreading the primary colored powder and making patterns. Can we count each particle in the powder? Not practically, right? This is because of the very large (effectively infinite) number of color particles in the powder. Because there are so many powder particles and because they can vary in color. We can mix the colored particles to produce a near-infinite selection of different color combinations depending on the relative concentration of each primary colored powder. Every color combination can be made this way, including colors that seem to lie somewhere between the primary colors. Because there are no gaps in the spectrum of colors that we can create this way, we call this distribution a continuous distribution.

    Charge Distribution Continuous Distribution StudySmarterFig. 1 - A continuous distribution of rangoli colors can be formed when the sands are smeared and mixed together.

    Previously we have studied how the individual charge behaves in an electric field. What if we have a large amount of charge uniformly distributed on the surface of a conductor? Is there an analogy we can draw between the colored powder and the infinite number of ways of mixing the colors? Like the colored powder, the charge comes in tiny discrete packets. There are several different fundamental particles that are charged, including electrons, protons, etc., but all these particles are relatively small compared to the macroscopic scale on which we operate from day to day. These charged particles are so tiny that if we take a whole ensemble of such particles, we can create a near-infinite variety of charge distributions by arranging the charges in different ways. Like colored powder, the surface of a conductor consists of discrete, countable electrons, but there are so many electrons. They are so small that they end up being practically uncountable and appear on our macroscopic scale to behave like a free-flowing fluid that can take on any shape and more or less occupy any volume (ignoring electromagnetic forces of attraction and repulsion), which means we can treat them like a continuous distribution.

    Charge Distribution Meaning

    We know that the mobility of charge carriers inside conductors is higher than in insulators. When some excess charge is provided to the conductor, the electrostatic force of repulsion between them causes them to start moving away from each other as much as possible. Also, they occupy as much space on the conductor's surface as possible to minimize this force of repulsion.

    Charge Distribution Continuous Distribution StudySmarter

    Fig. 2 - The charge distribution around a hollow conducting sphere.

    From figure 2, we can see that there is a uniform distribution of charge on the surface of the conductor. This distribution is known as a surface charge distribution.

    Charge Distributions Examples and Types

    Three main types of charge distribution are studied, which differ in geometry:

    1. Linear charge distribution

    2. Surface charge distribution

    3. Volume charge distribution

    Each type of charge distribution has a different charge density depending on the number of spatial dimensions in the situation. A brief description and explanation of each type are given below.

    Linear Charge Distribution

    When a charge is uniformly distributed along a one-dimensional length of material, then this type of arrangement of charge is known as a linear charge distribution. The charge density in such cases is known as linear charge density \(\left(\lambda\right)\). Electrically conductive wires are often modeled as linear charge distributions due to their approximately one-dimensional nature.

    Let us consider a conductor of length \(L\) and a net quantity of charge distributed along the length of the conductor \(Q\).


    Charge Distribution Linear charge density StudySmarter

    Fig. 3 - The figure shows the linear charge distribution of the positive charges on the rod.

    The charge is uniformly distributed along the length of the conductor. The linear charge density, in this case, is \(\lambda=\frac{Q}{L}\).

    The SI unit of charge is the Coulomb \(\left(\text{C}\right)\), and the SI unit of length is the meter \(\left(\text{m}\right)\). Using these units, the SI unit of linear charge density is the Coulomb per meter \(\mathrm{C\,m^{-1}}\).

    Surface Charge Distribution

    When the charge is uniformly distributed on the surface of the conductor, then this type of distribution is known as a surface charge distribution. The charge density, in this case, is known as surface charge density \(\left(\sigma\right)\).

    Let the surface area of a conductor be \(S\) and the net charge on the conductor, distributed across the surface of the conductor, be \(Q\).

    Charge Distribution Surface charge distribution StudySmarter Fig. 4 - The figure shows the surface charge distribution of the positive charges on the spherical conductor.

    The surface charge density for this case is \(\sigma=\frac{Q}{S}\).

    The SI unit of the surface area is the meter squared \(\left(\mathrm{m^{2}}\right)\), and the SI unit of charge is the Coulomb \(\left(\text{C}\right)\). By using these units, the SI unit of surface charge density is \(\mathrm{C\,m^{-2}}\).

    Volume Charge Distribution

    When the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the material in question, this type of distribution is known as volume charge distribution. The charge density, in this case, is known as volume charge density \(\left(\mathrm{\rho}\right)\), or charge density.

    Let the volume of the sphere be \(V\) and the charge distributed uniformly over the volume of a sphere \(Q\).

    Charge Distribution Volume charge distribution StudySmarterFig. 5 - The volume charge distribution of the positive charges in a solid spherical conductor.

    The Charge is uniformly distributed throughout the volume such that the volume charge density, in this case, is \(\rho=\frac{Q}{V}\).

    The SI unit of volume is a meter cube \(\left(\mathrm{m^{3}}\right)\) and the SI unit of charge is Coulomb \(\left(\text{C}\right)\). By using these units, the SI unit of the volume charge density is \(\mathrm{C\,m^{-3}}\).

    Charge Distribution in Conductors and Insulators

    In insulators, electrons are firmly bound to the nucleus. Therefore, a lot of energy is required to free electrons to increase their mobility inside insulators. On the other hand, electrons inside conductors are free to move as they are only loosely bound to the nucleus. Thus, the charge carriers' mobility is more significant in conductors than in insulators.

    Now think about what will happen if we supply some charge to a conductor and to an insulator.

    In the case of Conductors

    The charge carriers in a conductor can move quickly due to high mobility. Unbounded by a nucleus and under the electrostatic forces of repulsion between each electron, the charges spread as far apart as possible, distributing themselves across the surface of the conductor.

    In the case of Insulators

    The charge carriers in insulators cannot move quickly due to the strong electrostatic force of attraction between the nuclei of the atoms and their electrons. In other words, the mobility of the charge carriers (electrons) is low in insulators. Therefore, even under the action of the electrostatic repulsive force, they continue to remain bound to the nuclei of the atoms, and there is no re-distribution of charge that takes place in the case of insulators.

    Charge Distribution during Different Charging Methods

    There are three main charging methods that you should be aware of:

    1. Charging by friction

    2. Charging by induction

    3. Charging by Conduction

    The charge distribution in each case is different due to the other materials used in each case.

    Charging by Friction

    Insulators can become charged by the method of friction. For example, when two insulators rub against each other, electrons are transferred from one insulator to another, resulting in a charge redistribution between the insulators. As a result, one insulator becomes positively charged, and the other becomes negatively charged.

    Charge Distribution Charging by friction StudySmarter Fig. 6 - Charging of an insulator using a charging-by-friction method.

    The charge on each insulator does not become re-distributed across the insulator material like in a conductor. So even though there is an electrostatic repulsion between the charges, the mobility of charge carriers is still low, meaning the electrons aren't free to move.

    Charging by Induction

    When a positively charged metal rod is brought near an uncharged metal sphere, an equal and opposite charge is induced on the side of the initially uncharged metal sphere facing the rod due to the electrostatic force of attraction between the net positive charge in the rod and the electrons in the metal sphere. Likewise, due to electrostatic repulsion, a net positive charge forms on the opposite side of the initially uncharged sphere. Thus, the presence of a charge can turn an uncharged conductor into a polarized conductor.

    By grounding the other face of the metal sphere, the positive charge is transferred to the ground.

    Charge Distribution Charging by induction StudySmarter Fig. 7 - The charging of conduction with a charged rod using a charging-by-induction method.

    By ungrounding the sphere, there is a negative charge left on it, which redistributes itself such that the charge spreads around the surface of the conductor.

    Charge Distribution Charging by induction StudySmarter Fig. 8 - The figure shows the charge distribution in the conductor after charging by induction method.

    The redistribution of the charges takes place in the conductor due to the electrostatic force of repulsion. However, this redistribution is only possible when the charged rod is removed because the electrostatic force of attraction between the positive charge in the rod and the negative charge of the electrons in the sphere keeps the electrons attracted to one side of the sphere. Hence, the sphere is still polarised until the rod is removed.

    Hence, from the above explanation, we can say that the charge distribution is affected by the electrostatic force (or the electric field).

    Charging by Conduction

    When a charged metal sphere is brought into contact with an uncharged but identical metal sphere, the charge is transferred from one sphere to another. After the transfer of charge, the net charge on each conductor is the same.

    To let the charge re-distribute itself around the surface, we have to move the spheres, as an electrostatic force of repulsion acts between the charges on either sphere due to the net-like charge on each sphere.

    Charge Distribution Charging by conduction StudySmarter Fig. 9 - The figure shows the charge re-distribution in the conductor after charging by the conduction method.

    The above diagram shows that the presence of electric charge affects the distribution of charges. We can also say that the electric field/electrostatic force affects the distribution of charges.

    Charge Distribution - Key takeaways

    • There are three types of charge distributions - linear charge distribution, surface charge distribution, and volume charge distribution.
    • The charge distribution varies with the material in which the charge is present.
    • Insulators have no charge distribution as the charge carriers are not mobile.
    • The charge in the conductor is distributed on the surface due to the electrostatic force of repulsion.
    • The net charge inside the conductor is zero.
    • The electric field inside the conductor is zero.

    References

    1. Fig. 1 - People Sprinkling Colored Powder(https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-sprinkling-colored-powder-5491495/) by Nishant Aneja(https://www.pexels.com/@nishantaneja/) under the license of Legal Simplicity(https://www.pexels.com/license/).
    2. Fig. 2 - Charge distribution around the hollow conducting sphere, StudySmarter Originals
    3. Fig. 3 - Linear charge distribution. StudySmarter Originals.
    4. Fig. 4 - Surface Charge Distribution, StudySmarter Originals
    5. Fig. 5 - Volume charge distribution, StudySmarter Originals
    6. Fig. 6 - Charging by friction, StudySmarter Originals
    7. Fig. 7 - Charging by induction, StudySmarter Originals
    8. Fig. 8 - Charge distribution in charge by induction, StudySmarter Originals
    9. Fig. 9 - Re-distribution in charging by conduction, StudySmarter Originals
    Frequently Asked Questions about Charge Distribution

    What is charge distribution? 

    The distribution of the collection of charged particles in which a certain distance with no charge separates each charged particle is called charge distribution.

    What are the types of charge distribution? 

    There are mainly three types of charge distribution.

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

    What are examples of charge distribution? 

    Some of the great examples of charge distribution are,

    1. Uniform distribution of charge on a metal rod.
    2. Electrostatic shielding due to the spread of charge on the surface of a hollow conductor.

    How do you find the charge distribution? 

    We can calculate the charge density to find the type of charge distribution. 

    1. If the charge density is uniform along the length of a conductor, then it shows linear charge distribution. 
    2. If the charge density is uniform along the surface of a conductor, then it shows surface charge distribution. 
    3. If the charge density is uniform throughout the volume of a conductor, then it shows volume charge distribution.

    What is symmetric charge distribution? 

    When the charge density remains uniform throughout the charge distribution, this type of distribution is called symmetric charge distribution.

    Save Article

    Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

    What is the surface charge density of a sphere with the net charge of \(100\,\mathrm{C}\) on its surface and a radius of \(2\,\mathrm{m}\)?

    The charge density of the rod where the charge is distributed along the length of the rod is known as ____.

    Which of the following methods can be used to turn an uncharged conductor into a polarized conductor?

    Next

    Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

    Sign up for free
    1
    About StudySmarter

    StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

    Learn more
    StudySmarter Editorial Team

    Team Physics Teachers

    • 11 minutes reading time
    • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
    Save Explanation Save Explanation

    Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

    Sign-up for free

    Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

    The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

    • Flashcards & Quizzes
    • AI Study Assistant
    • Study Planner
    • Mock-Exams
    • Smart Note-Taking
    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
    Sign up with Email