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Linear charge density, also known as linear surface charge density or simply charge per unit length, is a measure of the amount of electric charge per unit length along a one-dimensional line or surface. It is represented by the symbol λ and is measured in coulombs per meter (C/m).
The equation for linear charge density is λ = Q/L, where λ is the linear charge density, Q is the total charge, and L is the length along which the charge is distributed.
Linear charge density is a measure of charge per unit length, while volume charge density is a measure of charge per unit volume. Linear charge density is used for one-dimensional lines or surfaces, while volume charge density is used for three-dimensional objects.
The SI unit for linear charge density is coulombs per meter (C/m).
Linear charge density is used in Gauss's law to calculate the electric field at a point due to a one-dimensional line or surface of charge. This is done by integrating the linear charge density over the length or surface and using the equation E = λ/2πε0r, where E is the electric field, λ is the linear charge density, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and r is the distance from the point to the line or surface of charge.
