Definition

coulomb per meter cubed

Part of the IT standards and organizations glossary:

The coulomb per meter cubed (symbolized C · m -3 ) is the unit of electric charge density. Reduced to base units in the International System of Units ( SI ), 1 C · m -3 is equivalent to one ampere second per meter cubed (1 A · s · m -3 ).

Next Steps

Suppose there is a globe having volume of one meter cubed, and it is supplied with one coulomb of charge with respect to electrical ground. Then the average charge density in the globe is 1 C · m -3 . The local charge density might not be uniform throughout the globe, but might instead be concentrated near the surface, especially if the charge is comprised of an excess of electron s (that is, a negative charge). This is because particles of like charge tend to repel each other. In that case, the local charge density near the center of the globe will be less than 1 C · m -3 , and the local charge density near the surface will be greater than 1 C · m -3 .

If the charge on the globe is doubled, then the average charge density will become 2 C · m -3 . If the diameter of the globe is cut in half while the charge remains the same, then the average charge density will increase by a factor of 8, because the volume will become 1/8 (1/2 3 ) as great as before.

Also see electric field , coulomb , meter cubed , coulomb per meter squared , and International System of Units ( SI ).

This was last updated in September 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • DisplayPort

    - DisplayPort is an interface for digital displays, particularly computer monitors. It was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) as a high-performance replacement for other ... (WhatIs.com)

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

    - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal organization (part of the Department of Labor) that ensures safe and healthy working conditions for Americans by enforcing standard... (SearchCompliance.com)

  • Jericho Forum

    - The Jericho Forum is a global organization formed to help members deal the challenges of information security in an increasingly complex environment. (Continued) (SearchSecurity.co.UK)

Glossaries

  • IT standards and organizations

    - Terms related to information technology (IT) standards, including definitions about IT organizations and words and phrases about policies and compliance.

  • Electronics

    - Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.

  • Internet applications

    - This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet applications, including definitions about Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery models and words and phrases about web sites, e-commerce ...

Ask a Question. Find an Answer.Powered by ITKnowledgeExchange.com

Ask An IT Question

Get answers from your peers on your most technical challenges

Ask Question

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top