Continuous Charge Distribution: A system of a large number of closely spaced charges is known as

continuous charge distribution. With the help of Coulomb’s Law and Superposition Principle, we can easily find out the
electric field and net force due to a system of charges or discrete system of charges. The word discrete means every
charge is different and has the existence of its own.
Suppose, a system of charges having charges as q1, q2, q3……. up to qn. We can easily find out the net charge by adding
charges algebraically.Net electric field and net force can be obtained by using the principle of superposition.
The continuous charge distribution system is a system in which the charge is uniformly distributed over the conductor. In
continuous charge system, infinite numbers of charges are closely packed and have minor space between them. Unlikely
from the discrete charge system, the continuous charge distribution is uninterrupted and continuous in the conductor.
There are three types of the continuous charge distribution system.

Types of continuous charged distributions:

1. Linear Charge Distribution
2. Surface Charge Distribution
3. Volume charge distribution
Linear Charge Distribution: When the distribution of charge is uniformly along the line then it is called Linear Charge
Distribution. e.g. line making the circumference of a circle, straight line, etc. Here we define a new physical quantity called
the linear charge density, It is denoted by symbol ‘λ’ and is given by---
λ = dq / dl. and Such that total charge on the distribution is q =∫ λ dl
It is measured in Cm-1 .Let us take a small element having length dl of the line. The small amount of charge on this element
is dq= λ. dl

Surface Charge Distribution: When charge is distributed uniformly over some area it is called surface
charge distribution. For example a charged thin sheet.
The surface charge density σ of a wire is given as

where Δs is a small area element of a charged sheet and ΔQ is the charge contained in that area element. The
unit for σ is C/m2.

Also dq =σ ds and q =∫ σ ds
 Volume Charge Density: is defined as continuous charge distribution over a volume. For example a metal
sphere or cylinder etc.
The volume charge density or simply called charge density ρ is given as

Where ΔV is a small volume element of a charged sphere on macroscopic scale and ΔQ is the charge contained in that
volume element. The unit for ρ is C/m3 or coulomb per cubic metre

Also dq = ρ dv and q = ∫ ρ dv

Force due to continuous charge distribution:

1.Due to linear charge distribution: If q0 is a point charge at point P situated at a distance r from Δl then
force due to this element will be

2. Due to surface charge distribution: If q0 is a point charge at point P situated at a distance r from Δs then

force due to this element will be

3.Due to volume charge distribution: If q0 is a point charge at point P situated at a distance r from ΔV then
force due to this element will be