Is There a Limit to Charge Density Similar to Mass Density in Black Holes?

[kahwawashay1]

We are doing electricity now in school and it made me wonder..
When there is too much mass in a certain amount of volume, it supposedly forms a black hole, right? Well, does anything happen when there is too much charge density?

I know this excess charge would want to neutralize itself and so it would pull on surrounding opposite charges, but let's say that its in a vacuum and so cannot neutralize itself



Also, on a related note, I find it fascinating that the electricity equations very much resemble gravitational equations...is there a simple explanation as to why this is so?

 

[mathman]

Also, on a related note, I find it fascinating that the electricity equations very much

Inverse square law.

 

[kahwawashay1]

Inverse square law.

thanks.
does anyone know the answer to my first question though?

 

[Bobbywhy]

kahwawashay1, Black hole formation is quite different from electrostatics. Trying to compare mass density and charge density is of limited value.

When there is large buildup of charge (voltage), or “too much charge density” a spark will try to jump or “arc” across a gap to discharge it. Natural lightning is a good example of this.

Here are two sources of information on charge density:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_density
http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/semester2/c03_chargedensity.html

Here is an example of a high voltage generator that creates a large charge density:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator

When higher charge densities (voltages) are desired, for particle accelerators, for example, the charge generator can be placed in a vacuum. Another method is to pressurize the generator in a dielectric (insulating) gas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur_hexafluoride

 

[sardar]

I can provide some insights into your questions about charge density and its relation to black holes, as well as the similarities between electricity and gravity.

Firstly, let's discuss charge density. This refers to the amount of electric charge per unit volume. Just like how too much mass in a small space can lead to the formation of a black hole, an extremely high charge density can also lead to a phenomenon called "Coulomb explosion". This occurs when the repulsive forces between the excess charges become so strong that they cause an explosive release of energy. However, this is only possible in certain extreme conditions and is not a common occurrence.

In a vacuum, as you mentioned, the excess charge would want to neutralize itself by attracting opposite charges. This is known as the Coulomb force and it is a fundamental force in electromagnetism. In the absence of any other forces, the excess charge would continue to pull on surrounding charges until it reaches equilibrium.

Regarding the similarities between electricity and gravity, this is a concept known as "electrostatics analogy". Both electricity and gravity are fundamental forces of nature and they exhibit similar properties such as attraction and repulsion. This is why the equations for both forces have a similar form. However, it is important to note that they are still distinct forces and cannot be directly equated.

In summary, while there are some similarities between electricity and gravity, they are still distinct forces with their own unique properties. And in the case of charge density, it can lead to a phenomenon known as Coulomb explosion but it is not comparable to the formation of a black hole. I hope this helps to clarify your questions about electricity and its intriguing similarities to gravity.