Flux through a Cube - Why would flux be zero?

[limonysal]

Homework Statement

This is a three part problem. I have the first and third part down but I'm just wondering about the second part which is multiple choice.

A cube has one corner at the origin and the opposite corner at the point (L,L,L). The sides of the cube are parallel to the coordinate planes. The electric field in and around the cube is given by E = <(a+bx), c>. (im using bold for vectors)

Part A: Find the total electric flux \Phi_E through the surface of the cube.
Express your answer in terms of a, b, c, and L.
\Phi_E =bL^3

Part B:
Notice that the flux through the cube does not depend on a or c. Equivalently, if we were to set b=0, so that the electric field becomes
E = <a, c>,
then the flux through the cube would be zero. Why?

a. E' does not generate any flux across any of the surfaces.
b. The flux into one side of the cube is exactly canceled by the flux out of the opposite side.
c. Both of the above statements are true.

Homework Equations

\Phi_E=\intover the surface E*dA= EA when the field is perpendicular

The Attempt at a Solution

I feel like the flux might be canceled out but I'm not sure if it might be both or just one of th reasons.

 

[mikelepore]

Imagine a cube-shaped region of space that happens to be in a flowing river. In a given amount of time, how much water enters one side of the space? In that same time, how much water goes out of the other side of the space? Are they equal or unequal? Would the net flow rate "in" be zero or nonzero?

 

[limonysal]

if the water has been flowing through the cube before that instant of time, it should be the same.

If you say that b. is true, that the flux cancels, then does that contradict a. that states that there is no flux generated. But there is some generated, it just doesn't depend on x so it cancels?

i kinda feel like I am trying to catch clouds here.

 

[limonysal]

ok. so if the electric field is not dependent on x, then the flux going in through one side is the same as that going out the other end. so there is no chage in the flow rate?