Clarification on Electric Flux

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of electric flux as defined by Gauss' Law, specifically regarding two spheres of different diameters surrounding equal charges 'q'. According to Gauss' Law, the total electric flux through a closed surface is determined solely by the enclosed charge, expressed as Φ = Q_enclose / ε₀. Despite the differing diameters, the electric flux for both spheres remains equal due to the constant charge enclosed, although the electric field strength varies inversely with the square of the radius (E = Q / (4πr²)).

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  • Understanding of Gauss' Law in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts and equations
  • Knowledge of surface integrals in vector calculus
  • Basic principles of charge distribution and electric flux
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric flux and Gauss' Law.

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):
[tex] <br /> \int \int_s \vec{D} d \vec{S} = Q<br /> [/tex]

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

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

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

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