Electrix flux through a tetrahedron

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the outward electric flux through one of the triangular faces of a tetrahedron centered at the origin, given a charge density represented by a Dirac delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of charge density to determine the enclosed charge and question the limits of integration. There is also discussion about the implications of the Dirac delta function in locating the charge.

Discussion Status

Some participants have clarified that the charge is effectively a point charge at the origin, while others are considering how the charge density informs this understanding. There is a recognition that the flux through each face of the tetrahedron is equal due to the symmetry of the setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the charge density and its role in determining the total charge, as well as the specific conditions under which the flux calculations hold true.

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Homework Statement


what is the outward flux through one of the 4 triangular faces of a tetrahedron centered at the origin if the charge density is q*(delta)^3(r)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So, I figured that all I had to do was find the point charge q that the tetrahedron encloses...because I can find that by integrating over the charge density...
my problems are...am I making this problem too hard? Is there a simpler way to solve this?
and also, if I integrate over the charge density to, what are the limits of the integral, and how do you integrate the dirac delta?
Please Help!
 
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Use the definition of the dirac delta:

[tex]\int_{all space} f(\vec{r'}) \delta ^3 (\vec{r}) d^3r'=f(0)[/tex]

So where does this mean the charge q is located? ;0)
 
q would be located at the origin...right?

but, don't I have to know what q is by the charge density?

or is it simply the flux from a point charge at the origin? But if that's the case, where does the charge density come into play?
 
Yes, it is a point charge q, located at the origin. The charge density just tells you that the only charge is the point charge q at the origin, that's all the information that you need from it. Just calculate the Flux from a point charge at the origin through one face of the tetrahedron.
 
so the flux from a point charge is q/e0

So, since the flux is through a tetrahedron, then it would be q/4e0

right?
 
Yes, but this is only true because the point charge is at the center of the tetrahedron, and so the flux through each face is equal.
 
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!

I was over-thinking the problem.
 

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