Gauss' Law and a Gaussian Sphere

More specifically, a Gaussian surface is a closed surface surrounding a charge. In summary, a Gaussian Sphere with a radius of 1m has a uniform outward directed electric field of 1 N/C at its surface. Using Gauss' Law, we can calculate the amount of charge enclosed by the sphere. Additionally, the Electric Field is zero within the conducting material of a conductor, and a Gaussian surface is a closed surface surrounding a charge.
  • #1
victorializ
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Homework Statement


A Gaussian Sphere with a radius of 1m surrounds an unknown charge at the center. At this surface a uniform outward directed electric field is 1 N/C. Use Gauss' Law to calculate the amount of charge enclosed by the sphere.

Homework Equations



E = q/4∏εor^2

The Attempt at a Solution



i've been reading about gauss' law in my physics book and i thought that the charge inside a gaussian sphere was always zero? or is that only for an electric field?
 
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  • #2
victorializ said:

Homework Statement


A Gaussian Sphere with a radius of 1m surrounds an unknown charge at the center. At this surface a uniform outward directed electric field is 1 N/C. Use Gauss' Law to calculate the amount of charge enclosed by the sphere.


Homework Equations



E = q/4∏εor^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been reading about gauss' law in my physics book and i thought that the charge inside a Gaussian sphere was always zero? or is that only for an electric field?
The Electric Field (under static conditions) is zero within the conducting material of a conductor. A Gaussian surface is simply any closed surface over which it is convenient to apply Gauss's Law.
 

1. What is Gauss' Law and how does it relate to a Gaussian sphere?

Gauss' Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed within that surface. A Gaussian sphere is a mathematical construct that is used in Gauss' Law to simplify the calculation of electric flux. It is an imaginary sphere that encloses the charge or distribution of charges being studied.

2. How do I calculate the electric flux through a Gaussian sphere?

The electric flux through a Gaussian sphere is given by the product of the electric field at any point on the sphere's surface and the surface area of the sphere. This can be written as ΦE = E x A, where E is the electric field and A is the surface area of the sphere.

3. Can Gauss' Law be applied to any charge distribution?

Yes, Gauss' Law can be applied to any charge distribution, as long as the charge is enclosed within a closed surface. This is because Gauss' Law is based on the concept of electric flux, which is a fundamental property of electric fields.

4. How is Gauss' Law used in practical applications?

Gauss' Law has a wide range of practical applications, including calculating the electric field inside a conductor, determining the charge on a capacitor, and analyzing the electric field of charged particles. It is also used in the design of various electrical and electronic devices.

5. Can Gauss' Law be extended to include magnetic fields?

No, Gauss' Law only applies to electric fields. However, there is a similar law called Gauss' Law for Magnetism that relates the magnetic flux through a closed surface to the magnetic charge enclosed within that surface. This law is often referred to as Gauss' Law for magnetism, but it is actually a different law that follows a similar mathematical form.

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