Flux above a flat horizontal surface

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnitude of an electric field given an electric flux of 149 N·m²/C through a flat horizontal surface with an area of 0.67 m², and the field pointing 15 degrees above the horizontal. The correct formula to use is E = I / (A * cos(90 - θ)), where I is the electric flux and A is the area. The calculations presented yielded varying results, indicating potential miscalculations, particularly in the use of trigonometric functions. The expected magnitude of the electric field should fall within the range of 400-650 N/C based on the angle provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric flux and its units (N·m²/C)
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly cosine and sine
  • Knowledge of the relationship between electric field, flux, and area
  • Basic proficiency in using scientific calculators for trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the electric field formula E = I / (A * cos(90 - θ))
  • Practice solving problems involving electric flux and varying angles
  • Learn about the implications of angle adjustments on electric field strength
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their relation to flux
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and flux calculations in electromagnetism.

sea95
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So my question is, am I missing any key thing in answering the question below?

Question: An electric flux of 149 N.m2/C passes through a flat horizontal surface that has an area of 0.67 m2. The flux is due to a uniform electric field. What is the magnitude of the electric field if the field points 15degrees above the horizontal?

So I've tried E=I/(Acos(90-θ)
I=flux, and A= area, 0.67

E= 149/(0.67cos75)

And I have gotten...

=859.24 (this seemed too large)

=204.98 (I didn't use parenthesis, and too low)

=57.55 (this was just an odd one my calculator gave me)


So, I believe that it should fall somewhere in the 400-650ish range but please help, I have no idea of what to do with my calculator's answers
 
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believe that it should fall somewhere in the 400-650ish range
... what leads you to that belief?

If the angle is 0, then E=I/A = 222.39N/C - which would be a minimum, right?
As the angle gets shallower, then you need a bigger E field to get the same flux.

Your belief is that 15deg should give you 2-3 times the minimum field required for the flux?
What is ##1/\sin(15^\circ)## ? You don't have to trust your calculator if you don't want to - figure the trig by hand.
 

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