What is the Difference Between Current Density and Linear Charge Density?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between current density and linear charge density. Current density refers to the flow of electric charge per unit area, while linear charge density indicates the amount of charge per unit length. It is important to note that current density typically occurs in conductors, which maintain overall charge neutrality due to the presence of positive background charges, whereas linear charge density can exist independently of conductors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including charge and current.
  • Familiarity with the principles of conductors and charge neutrality.
  • Knowledge of units of measurement for charge density (C/m² for current density, C/m for linear charge density).
  • Basic grasp of electromagnetism and its applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulations of current density and linear charge density.
  • Explore the implications of charge density in different materials, including insulators and conductors.
  • Learn about the applications of current density in electrical engineering and circuit design.
  • Investigate the role of charge density in electrostatics and its effects on electric fields.
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Students and professionals in physics and electrical engineering, particularly those studying electromagnetism and charge behavior in various materials.

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What is the difference between current density and linear charge density?
 
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Two things.

Basically, current density is movement or flow of charge per unit area and linear charge density (as it says) is the amount of charge per unit length.

It might help you to avoid confusion if you remember that in the case of flow of charge (current in a conductor) there is usually a background of positive charges in the conductor that keep the conductor charge-neutral overall.
With a linear charge you have no such cancelling factor - it's often not even a conductor.
 
thanks.. nice hints
 
Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

I have a common plasma globe with blue streamers and orange pads at both ends. The orange light is emitted by neon and the blue light is presumably emitted by argon and xenon. Why are the streamers blue while the pads at both ends are orange? A plasma globe's electric field is strong near the central electrode, decreasing with distance, so I would not expect the orange color at both ends.
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