Calculating the net electric flux

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To calculate net electric flux, the equation EA (electric field multiplied by area) is used, and it applies to each closed surface separately when multiple charges are present. The net electric flux through a closed surface is determined solely by the net charge enclosed within that surface, as stated by Gauss' theorem. Mathematically, this is proven by showing that the divergence of the electric field is zero for charges outside the surface, meaning they do not contribute to the flux. The derivation of electric flux using a sphere illustrates this principle effectively. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving related physics problems accurately.
anonymousphys
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Homework Statement


When calculating the net electric flux, we use the equation EA=electric flux. If there are multiple charges in different closed surfaces, do we use the net electric field multiplied by the area for each closed surface to solve the electric flux for a single closed object? How does this work mathematically in terms of the proof for electric flux (more specifically the one where we use a sphere to derive the equation for electric flux? (phi=Q/E)). In other words, how do we prove mathematically that the net electric flux in one closed surface is only due to the net charge placed in the closed surface?



Homework Equations


EA=electric flux
phi=(net charge)/(constant)


The Attempt at a Solution



I believe the answer to the first question is yes?

Sorry if many questions were mixed together, I had many questions on my mind.
Thanks for any replies.
 
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anonymousphys said:
How does this work mathematically in terms of the proof for electric flux (more specifically the one where we use a sphere to derive the equation for electric flux? (phi=Q/E)). In other words, how do we prove mathematically that the net electric flux in one closed surface is only due to the net charge placed in the closed surface?

Hi anonymousphys! :smile:

From Gauss' theorem (the divergence theorem), the flux through a closed surface equals the integral (over the interior) of the divergence of the field …

and the divergence will be zero (.E = 0) for the field produced by any charge outside the surface. :wink:
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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