Calculating the net electric flux

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SUMMARY

The net electric flux through a closed surface is calculated using the equation EA = electric flux, where E represents the electric field and A is the area. According to Gauss' theorem, the net electric flux is solely determined by the net charge enclosed within the surface, as the electric field produced by external charges does not contribute to the flux. This is mathematically proven by demonstrating that the divergence of the electric field (∇·E) is zero for external charges. The equation for electric flux can be expressed as φ = Q/ε₀, where Q is the net charge and ε₀ is the permittivity of free space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' theorem and its applications
  • Familiarity with electric fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly divergence
  • Basic concepts of electrostatics and charge distributions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Gauss' theorem in electrostatics
  • Learn about the divergence theorem and its implications in vector calculus
  • Explore the derivation of electric flux equations using different geometries
  • Investigate the role of permittivity in electric field calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding electric flux and its mathematical foundations.

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:
 

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