Question

For a surface charge distribution, if the surface charge density is σ and a small surface element has area dS, what is the charge element dq?

Options

• dq = σ dS

• dq = σ/dS

• dq = σ dl

• dq = σ dV

Answer 1

For a surface charge distribution, the charge element dq is related to the surface charge density σ and the infinitesimal area element dS by the relationship dq = σ dS. This is derived from the definition σ = dq/dS.