Flux through a cube with non uniform electric field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric flux through a cube in a non-uniform electric field, specifically given by the components -5 N/C in the x-direction and 3 N/C in the z-direction. The cube has a side length of 0.3 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the electric field components and their implications for calculating flux. There are attempts to clarify the expression for the electric field and how it relates to the flux integral. Some participants express confusion about the integration process and the application of the dot product in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the electric field and its application to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration of flux through the cube's faces, but there is no consensus on the approach or resolution of confusion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of frustration with the provided examples in the textbook, which may be contributing to the confusion. Participants are also questioning the setup of the electric field and its representation in the context of the problem.

purplex76
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This is really frusterating me, my book provides horrible examples and i have no idea how to go about this problem.
There is a cube with sides L= .3m and an electric field = (-5 N/C X m) x i +(3 N/C x m) z k i= i hat k= k hat
I know that the flux = the integral of the E . dA (dot product), but the form that i have for the electric field is not making sense to me.
How can i find the electric flux through the faces of a cube when i am given the electric field mentioned above?
 
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I'm guessing a bit, but it sounds like the electric field at a point (x,y,z) is

-5 x Newtons/columb-meter in the [tex]\hat i[/tex] direction, and
3 z Newtons/columb-meter in the [tex]\hat k[/tex] direction.

Usually [tex]\hat i[/tex] points in the x direction, [tex]\hat j[/tex] points in the y direction, and [tex]\hat k[/tex] points in the z direction. Does this sound right?

If so, it shouldn't be too hard to integrate the flux through a cube face...
 
i'm still lost
 
What pervect is trying to say in fewer words than I'm about to say is you have the field given by -5x + 3z. The flux is the integral of E dot dA right? However, since dA does not change on each face throughout the face E dot dA becomes E*A for each face. Sum the flux on each face up. I'll help you out with a little of the math:

The cube has one face facing the positive and negative directions for x, y and z. For example, the flux on the face pointing in the positive/negative x direction is <-5x, 0, 3z> * (0.3^2). The only difference is the value of x for each face, where <i, j, k> is a vector. Now sum up all 6 faces (you can ignore the ones facing the +y and -y directions)
 
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