---
title: "Volume Charge Density — AP Physics C: E&M Definition"
description: "Volume charge density (ρ) is charge per unit volume in C/m³. It's how you find enclosed charge in Gauss' Law problems with charged spheres and slabs."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-c-e-m/key-terms/volume-charge-density"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics C: E&M"
---

# Volume Charge Density — AP Physics C: E&M Definition

## Definition

Volume charge density refers to how much electric charge exists per unit volume in space. It quantifies how densely distributed charges are within a given region.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.4 Gauss' Law](/ap-physics-c-e-m/unit-1/gauss-law/study-guide/JE7NKCKEZgNM6wv8s4zJ)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Surface Charge Density: Surface charge density refers to how much electric charge exists per unit area on a surface.
- Linear Charge Density: Linear charge density describes how much electric charge exists per unit length along a line or wire.
- Point Charge: A point charge is an idealized concept where all of its electric charge is concentrated at a single point in space, having no physical size or volume.