Continuous Charge Distribution: Symmetry & Meaning

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of Continuous Charge Distribution in the context of electric fields. Continuous charge distribution refers to the uniform filling of a region or volume with charge, contrasting with discrete charge distribution, where charge is localized at specific points. The conversation highlights the significance of symmetry in understanding these distributions and explains how continuous current, despite being composed of discrete electrons, can be treated as continuous due to the high flow rate, such as 10^9 electrons per second. Additionally, it addresses the Gaussian distribution of electrons and the resulting shot noise in high-frequency signals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with discrete vs. continuous systems in physics
  • Knowledge of current flow and electron behavior in circuits
  • Basic grasp of Gaussian distribution and shot noise concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electric fields in Continuous Charge Distributions
  • Explore the differences between discrete and continuous charge distributions in detail
  • Learn about shot noise and its implications in electronic circuits
  • Investigate Gaussian distribution and its applications in signal processing
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of electric fields and charge distributions in circuits.

wajed
Messages
56
Reaction score
0
In the Electric field of a Continuous Charge Distribution, what is "conti.." exactly?

-I know its the "distribution"! but I`m asking about, like, how would the "distribution" be continuous?
-I think the word "symmetry" should be used?
-why is the word "continuous" used?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org


In a continuous charge distribution, the charge "fills up" a region or volume of space.

Contrast that with a discrete charge distribution, where the charge might be localized at one single point, or on a collection of point particles.
 


If you have say a current of 10^9 electrons per second (160 picoamps) flowing in a circuit, this is usually consideded to be a continuous current although the signal is comprised of discrete particles. However, if you have a bandwidth of 1 GHz (1 nanosec), there are only about 160 discrete electrons contributing to your signal. There is a Gaussian distribution of electrons in each sample period, leading to a signal fluctuation +/- sqrt(160), called shot or Schottky noise.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
498
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • Sticky
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K