Calculate the electric flux piercing a cube?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the electric flux piercing a cube containing four point charges, the total flux can be determined without integration if the cube encloses all charges. The electric field due to the charges is derived using the superposition principle, combining the contributions from each charge. The Coulomb forces acting on each charge can also be calculated using the superposition principle, considering the interactions between all pairs of charges. The discussion highlights the application of Gauss's law and the importance of understanding electric fields and forces in this context. Clarifications on the calculations and approach were sought, indicating a collaborative effort to solve the problem.
vmr101
Gold Member
Messages
25
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Consider four point charges q1, q2, q3 and q4, located at r1, r2, r3 and r4, respectively.
(a) Calculate the electric flux piercing a cube (with side a and centered at r0 = (0, 0, 0) that contains all of these charges.
(b) Calculate the electric field of the four charges as the function of r.
(c) Calculate the Coulomb forces acting on all the four charges.
(bonus) Calculate the divergence of the electric field created by these charges.


Homework Equations


Nothing is given.
Using k = 1/4∏ε

The Attempt at a Solution


a) Electric Flux ∅ = ∫E dA
Each of the size sides receive the same flux as each other, therefore one side will receive 1/6 of the flux ∅(a) = 1/6 ∫E dA

b) Due to the superposition principal E = ƩE = E1 + E2 + E3 + E4
so E = ƩE = k Ʃ q(i)/r(i)^2
E = k (q(1)/r(1)^2 + q(2)/r(2)^2 +q(3)/r(3)^2 +q(4)/r(4)^2)

c) Due to the superposition principal
F = ƩF = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4
F = kq Ʃ q(i) * (r -r(i)) / |(r - r(i))|^3

I am not sure if I am on the right track as there is not much given. We have been learning Gauss;s laws & Maxwells equations. Thanks for any guidance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have not checked your answers but I would too use the same reasoning. It seems to me you are in the right track.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Anyone else have any feedback on this?
 
For part a) it says to find the flux piercing a cube, if cube encloses all 4 charges then you don't need integration.

I am also doing a similar assignment and for part c) I think they want us to find the forces that the other 3 charges apply to one. i.e force that charge 2,3,4 exert on 1 and 1,3,4 exert on 2 etc...
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top