Does Flux equal charge enclosed in the electrostatic case in one dimension?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between electric flux and charge enclosed in the context of electrostatics, particularly in one-dimensional scenarios. Participants explore the implications of Gauss's Law and the definitions of electric flux, questioning whether flux can be equated to charge without considering permittivity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether flux can be directly equated to charge enclosed or if it must be divided by permittivity, citing lecturer notes as a reference.
  • One participant references Gauss's Theorem and the first law of Maxwell, suggesting that the total charge divided by permittivity relates to the flux through a surface.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the concept of flux in one dimension, indicating a lack of clarity on how to apply these principles in that context.
  • Several participants discuss the application of Gauss's Law and its relevance to the problem at hand, with one participant mentioning a specific diagram to illustrate their point.
  • There is mention of using the electric field equation for a point charge, with participants debating its applicability to the scenario described.
  • One participant introduces the concept of the electric displacement vector and its relation to charge and flux, suggesting a more complex understanding of the topic.
  • Another participant raises the idea of using a Gaussian system of units, questioning the implications of setting permittivity to one for mathematical discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the relationship between flux and charge, with no consensus reached. Some agree on the relevance of Gauss's Law, while others remain uncertain about the application of these concepts in one-dimensional cases.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of the one-dimensional case and the application of electric field equations. There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and implications of flux, charge, and permittivity in this context.

brendan_foo
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In a singular dimension case, can you say that the Flux is equal to the charge enclosed, or does it have to be the charge enclosed divided by the permitivity.

My lecturers notes claim that Flux = Q {in the electrostatic case} in one dimension.

Is that true?


EDIT sorry its not singular dimension, i bite my lip..act of idiot..but still, my questions below i still feel valid..please read on :smile:
 
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The flux of a vector, is defined by Gauss's Theorem, that says:

[tex]\int_{V} \vec{\nabla} \cdot \vec{v} dV = \int_{S} \vec{v} \cdot \hat{n} dS[/tex]

The first law of Maxwell says that [tex]\vec{\nabla} \cdot \vec{E} = \frac{\rho}{\epsilon_0}[/tex], then:

[tex]\int_{V} \frac{\rho}{\epsilon_0} dV = \int_{S} \vec{E} \cdot \hat{n} dS[/tex]

If there is no charge in the infinity, the integration of the density is the total charge, then:

[tex]\frac{Q_{total}}{\epsilon_0} = \int_{S} \vec{E} \cdot \hat{n} dS = \Phi[/tex]
 
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brendan_foo said:
In a singular dimension case, can you say that the Flux is equal to the charge enclosed, or does it have to be the charge enclosed divided by the permitivity.

My lecturers notes claim that Flux = Q {in the electrostatic case} in one dimension.

Is that true?

Flux of Electric field?
I never did the 1-D case, but I'm guessing Electric field flux from a point charge Q would be constant in 1-D.
[tex]\phi = \frac {E}{A}[/tex]
[tex]E = \frac {Q} {4 \pi \epsilon_0 r^2}[/tex]

Edit: The above Maxwell equation's usage seems more relevant.
 
In one dimension? How you can talk about flux in one dimension?
 
MiGUi said:
In one dimension? How you can talk about flux in one dimension?

That's what he's asking for.
Puzzled me too.
 
Yeah I am pretty confused too... I've done a lot of calculus and and I am still a bit 'oo-er' about this one..

I have the EXACT problem here...and i'll upload a diagram now. I always thought that the sum of the fluxes through a surface was equal to the charge enclosed divided by the permittivity.. But here we go anyway, maybe I am thinking of the wrong thing although this is supposed to be an example of gauss's law

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/b.preece/stuff/Question2.jpg

there's the statement, let me know what you think
 
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Is the correct way to do this {to work out the potential difference between R2 and R1} (assuming that its not correct as it stands) is to say :

[tex]E(r) = \frac{Q}{4\pi\epsilon r^2} = \frac{dV}{dr}[/tex]
[tex]v = \frac{Q}{4\pi\epsilon}\int_{r_1}^{r_2} \frac{1}{r^2} dr = \frac{Q}{4\pi\epsilon}\left [-\frac{1}{r}\right]_{r_1}^{r_2}[/tex]
 
onnnnn, this is not a one D case... the graph is the cross section of the capacitor... you shouldn't use the point charge formulas in this case... remember tis is a infinite cylinder... the jpg file is trying to use guess law to derive the formulas...
 
Its not meant to be an infinite cylinder, its a cylinder of length 1m. Once you know the PD then you can use the equation that [itex]C = \frac{\epsilon_{0}A}{d}[/itex] and use Q = CV should you wish to find the charge on the surface surely... I can see that he's trying to use gauss's law to get those equations, but just from looking at the equation for E, it doesn't have the same dimensions as [tex]E = \frac{Q}{4\pi\epsilon r^2}[/tex]...Am i missing something here?? Can you just say Flux = Q?! I've never heard of that concept before. I understand Gauss's law, but where did this come from?!
 
  • #10
Well I'll be damned..he's right!

There's an equation :

[tex]\int_{s} \mathbf{D} \cdot d\mathbf{S} \equiv \int_{v} \rho_{f} d\tau[/tex] and in words this means "The flux D out of a closed surface S = Total free charge enclosed"..which is "electric displacement", and is used for calculations in di-electrics.

If you follow through the motions it comes to the correct outcome.

Man I suck...

Laters, chaps
:rolleyes:
 
  • #11
It seems to me he is asking if it is acceptable to set epsilon zero = to one.

This is called the gaussian system of units, and is convenient for a purely mathematical discussion. Epsilon zero is a product of the metric system.
 
  • #12
I'm aware of the Gaussian system, but upon reading into it, there's an "electric displacement vector" that is related to the flux and the polarisation of the dielectric. I didn't catch all of it but the equation i quoted in my previous post summed it up.. The permittivity is encorporated somewhere in that equation, but I'm taking it on face value at the moment til I have time to review it.

Hmm :smile:

Peace out!
 

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