Clarification on Electric Flux

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The discussion centers on whether the electric flux through two spheres of different diameters, both enclosing equal charges, is the same. It is established that according to Gauss' Law, the total electric flux depends solely on the enclosed charge, implying that the flux for both spheres is equal. However, there is a consideration of the electric field strength, which varies with the radius of the spheres; the electric field is weaker for the larger sphere. This leads to a deeper examination of how the radius affects the magnitude of the electric field and flux. Ultimately, while the total flux remains the same, the electric field strength differs between the two spheres.
gambit1414
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A question has 2 spheres of different diameters surrounding equal charges 'q'. Diameter of sphere A is smaller than diameter of sphere B. Now are the flux for both equal or not? I think they are equal because total flux = Qenclose/ epsilon-knot, so flux only depends on the charges. But then again the electric field on the bigger sphere (B) would be weaker than the E-field on sphere A examining the equation for E-field and flux is equal to the surface integral of E dot ds. So I'm questioning which is the correct answer. Thank You.
 
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Let us take a look at some equations. That should clear up your question:

The surface integral of the flux (D) out of a closed surface (S) is equal to the charge (Q) contained within the surface (Gauss' Law):
<br /> <br /> \int \int_s \vec{D} d \vec{S} = Q<br /> <br />

This can be solved for D as follows if the surface is a sphere where r is the radius of the sphere:

<br /> <br /> \vec{D} = \frac{Q}{4\pi r^2} \vec{a} <br /> <br />

Now look at equation 2. What affect does r have on the magnitude of the flux?
 
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