Electromagnetism Homework Help: Gauss & Coulomb Laws for Flux Calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electrostatic flux through a sphere using Gauss's Law and Coulomb's Law. The problem involves charges of 15μC located at specific coordinates in a Cartesian system. Participants concluded that to find the flux, one should sum the charges and divide by the permittivity of free space (ε₀). This approach simplifies the problem, aligning with the superposition principle, despite the participant's concerns about the exercise's difficulty level.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's Law for electrostatic forces
  • Knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate system for charge placement
  • Basic concepts of electric flux and permittivity of free space (ε₀)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in various geometries
  • Explore the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Learn about electric flux calculations in different scenarios
  • Review advanced problems involving multiple point charges
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric flux and field calculations.

Kyho
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Hi, got some homework to do in electromagnetism and one of the problems is:

Homework Statement



Consider a Cartesian coordinate system with charges Q (Q = 15μC) at x = + and – 1.3cm, and at y = + 1.7cm and
– 0.7cm and at z = + 2cm and -0.5cm. Calculate the flux of the electrostatic field through the surface of a sphere
of radius 3cm, centered at the origin.

Equations:
Gauss law. Coulomb law

Attempts:
I don't really know the right way to start this problem. The only thing I done is placed the charges in a cartesian coordinate system. I thought of calculating all the electric fields to get the resultant electric field. and from there on I have no idea how to continue.

Not asking here for a complete solution of the problem, but maybe a hint on how to start.
 
Last edited:
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think of the flux lines as flowing water. the charges are sources of water. calculate the total amount of water leaving the sphere.
 
well after consulting with some friends, they came to the result that you just got to add up the charges and the divide it through epsilon0. (thanks to: superpostion principle)

seems a bit to simplictic for an uni exercise sheet as the one from last week was way harder :/.
 

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