Electric flux through a spherical surface

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric flux through a spherical Gaussian surface with a radius of 6 cm, containing a charge of +3Q (where Q = 6 C) inside the sphere and two additional charges located outside the surface. According to Gauss's Law, the electric flux (Φ) through the surface is determined by the enclosed charge, expressed as Φ = Q(enclosed)/ε₀, where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space (approximately 8.85 x 10^-12 C²/(N·m²)). The surface area of the sphere is calculated using the formula A = 4πr², which is essential for determining the electric field strength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law and its application to spherical surfaces
  • Familiarity with electric flux and its relation to electric field lines
  • Knowledge of the concept of permittivity (ε₀) in electrostatics
  • Basic geometry of spheres, including surface area calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
  • Learn about the concept of electric field lines and their significance in calculating electric flux
  • Explore the implications of charge distribution on electric fields and flux
  • Investigate advanced applications of Gauss's Law in different geometrical configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric flux and Gauss's Law.

Boilermaker54
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Three point charges are located near a spherical Gaussian surface of radius R = 6 cm. One charge (+3Q) is inside a sphere, and the others are a distance R/3 outside the surface.

What is the electric flux through this surface (Q = 6 C)

Homework Equations


I am aware of Gauss's law for a sphere. EA= Q(enclosed)/8.55e-12 A for sphere = 4Pi r^2


The Attempt at a Solution




I'm not sure what radius or Q charge should get put int ote equation, I'm still trying to understand the concepts behind these problems.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The problem tells you that the radius is 6cm and the charge inside the sphere is +3Q
 
ill try to provide some intuition behind this type of problem.

a flux is the amount of a volume passing a point per time. in this type of problem we can use electric field lines as our volume, and the point being the surface of the sphere. if one assumes that the field lines start at the center of the sphere, no field lines stop abruptly or ones begin at any other point, then no matter the surface area of the sphere the same number or field lines are passing.
Gauss's theroem says: \int(\nabla\cdot\vec{v})\:d\tau=\int\vec{v}\cdot d\vec{a}
since \int(\nabla\cdot\vec{E})\:d\tau=\frac{1}{\epsilon}q
\int\vec{E}\cdot d\vec{a}=\frac{1}{\epsilon}q

but since no matter what the change in area the same amount of electric field lines are passing through the surface area. the E is independent of the da, and can be taken out of the integral. giving u \vec{E}\int d\vec{a}=\frac{1}{\epsilon}q or \vec{E}A=\frac{1}{\epsilon}q A being 4\pi r^{2}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
that was my understanding on Gauss's theorem, but if i understood it incorrectly someone correct me before i confuse this good sir.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K