Finding Closed Surfaces for Point Charge at Origin

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying two closed surfaces in relation to a point charge located at the origin. To achieve zero electric flux, the closed surface must not enclose the charge, while a non-zero electric flux requires the surface to enclose the charge. This understanding is crucial for applying Gauss's Law effectively in electrostatics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric flux concepts
  • Knowledge of closed surfaces in three-dimensional space
  • Basic principles of electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law in detail
  • Explore examples of electric flux calculations
  • Research different types of closed surfaces (e.g., spheres, cylinders)
  • Learn about applications of electric fields in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electrostatics or electric fields will benefit from this discussion.

august_2007
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If there's a point charge at the origin, I want to find two closed surfaces such that the flux through one of them is zero while the other is not.

I know this may seem trivial but I just want to make sure I understand the question.

My answer would be that to get a zero flux, the closed surface must NOT enclose the charge at the origin while for the non-zero flux, the surface must enclose the charge; is this OK?
 
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