Electric Flux Comparison: Gauss's Theorem and Enclosed Charge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electric flux in relation to Gauss's Theorem and the behavior of electric fields around a point charge. Participants are exploring the relationship between the electric flux through two concentric spherical surfaces surrounding a point charge.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of using Gauss's Theorem versus the electric field equation I=E(dA) to understand electric flux. Questions arise regarding the differences in electric field strength at varying distances from the charge and how this affects the flux calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between electric field strength and electric flux. Some participants have provided insights into the differences in electric field at different radii, while others are questioning the assumptions made regarding the equality of flux through the two surfaces.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of varying surface areas and electric field strengths on the calculation of electric flux, as well as the implications of using different formulas in their analysis.

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Two concentric imaginary spherical surface of radius R and 3R, respectively, surrounds a point charge -Q, located at the center of the surface. When compared to the electric flux I1 through the surface of radius R, the electric flux I2 through the surface 3R is.

I know the answer is that I1=I2 based on Gauss's Theorem, I=q/ε, where q is the charge enclosed. But wouldn't the two flux's change if we instead use, I=E(dA), because of different radius in the dA portion? Can someone explain to me how will we get the same, I, if we use the latter equation? Thanks.
 
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VU2 said:
Two concentric imaginary spherical surface of radius R and 3R, respectively, surrounds a point charge -Q, located at the center of the surface. When compared to the electric flux I1 through the surface of radius R, the electric flux I2 through the surface 3R is.

I know the answer is that I1=I2 based on Gauss's Theorem, I=q/ε, where q is the charge enclosed. But wouldn't the two flux's change if we instead use, I=E(dA), because of different radius in the dA portion? Can someone explain to me how will we get the same, I, if we use the latter equation? Thanks.

The surface area changes , but so does the electric field . The electric field at distance R and 3R are different .

Both surfaces give same result.
 
Thanks Tanya for replying. But is the magnitude of E the same for both radius's?
 
VU2 said:
But is the magnitude of E the same for both radius's?

What is the formula of electric field at distance 'x' due to a point charge ?
 
E=kq/x^2
 
Now for x = R and x=3R ,do you get same values of E or different ?
 
So at the magnitude of the electric field is actually 4 times more for radius R than 2R?
 
Im sorry, I meant 9 times more.
 
Yeah, its much different. Thanks!
 

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