Electric Flux through a Spherical Surface at the Origin

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total electric flux through a spherical surface due to two point charges located at specified coordinates. The context is within the subject area of electrostatics, specifically applying concepts related to electric flux and Gauss's law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up an integral for calculating electric flux but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach. Some participants suggest using Gauss's law instead of integrating. Others clarify that the flux through a closed surface relates to the enclosed charge and question the need for the permittivity of free space.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different methods for solving the problem. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of Gauss's law, and a participant has provided the value of the permittivity of free space, indicating progress in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding the enclosed charge and the need for the permittivity of free space in the context of applying Gauss's law.

Black Armadillo
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Homework Statement


A point charge q_1 = 3.45 nC is located on the x-axis at x = 1.90 m, and a second point charge q_2 = -6.95 nC is on the y-axis at y = 1.20 m.

What is the total electric flux due to these two point charges through a spherical surface centered at the origin and with radius r_2 = 1.65 m?


Homework Equations


\Phi=\oint E_\bot dA
A=4\pi r^2
E=\frac{kq}{r^2}


The Attempt at a Solution


I started with:
\Phi=\oint \frac{kq}{r^2} dA
\Phi=A \oint \frac{kq}{r^2} dy
\Phi=4\pi r^2 \oint \frac{kq}{r^2} dy

To get r I did:
x^2+y^2=r^2
x^2+y^2=1.65^2
x=\sqrt{1.65^2-y^2}

r=\sqrt{(\sqrt{1.65^2-y^2})^2+(y-1.20)^2}

So:
\Phi=4\pi r^2 \oint \frac{kq}{1.65^2-y^2+(y-1.20)^2} dy

Evaluating this integral from -1.65 to 1.65 gives -1992.28 Nm^2/C

I'm pretty sure I'm setting up this integral completely wrong. Any help on how to do it correctly would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced for your help.
 
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Why mess around with integrals? Use Gauss's law.
 
remember that the flux through a closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed divided by epsilon_not. aka gauss's law
 
By use Gauss's law do you mean \Phi=\frac{q}{\epsilon_0}? If so don't I need to know that permittivity of free space (\epsilon_0), which isn't given in the problem?
 
Alright I found that epsilon_0 = 8.854E-12. Thanks for your help.
 

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