How Do You Calculate Electric Flux Through a Circular Disk in an Electric Field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating electric flux through a circular disk in a constant electric field defined as E = E0(1 / √2 i + 1 / √2 k). The relevant equation for this calculation is Eflux = ∫ E · dA. The user attempted to compute the flux using a double integral, resulting in the expression -E0 a2 / √2. The solution emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the dot product and understanding the orientation of the electric field relative to the disk.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric flux and its calculation
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, specifically double integrals
  • Knowledge of electric fields and their representation as vectors
  • Basic principles of physics related to electromagnetism
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  • Review the concept of electric flux and its mathematical formulation
  • Study vector calculus, focusing on double integrals and dot products
  • Learn about uniform and non-uniform electric fields and their implications
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Students in physics and engineering, particularly those studying electromagnetism and vector calculus, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric flux and field interactions.

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Homework Statement


"Given a constant electric field E = E(subscript 0)(1 / square root of 2 i + 1 / square root of 2 k), find the electric flux through a circular disk of radius a lying flat in the x-y plane. Orient the disk so that the positive direction is toward positive z.


Homework Equations



The most relevant equation to this problem is Eflux = integral of E dot dA.

The Attempt at a Solution



I've completely finished a solution, but there are many places to make mistakes here, I think, despite what may be a simple problem.

I said that Eflux = (-E subscript 0) double integral from 0 to a (x and y) of E dot k dx dy. I went on to place 1 / square root of 2 into the integral, but only once for the k and not the i component. Would this be correct? I then integrated with respect to x and got (1 / square root of 2)x dy. Integrating again, I think I get (1 / square root of 2)a^2. Note that i replaced x with a there. I'm unsure if I did my double integral correctly...I'm only beginning Calculus 3 now, and it wasn't a prerequisite for Physics. Oh well.

When all is said and done, I get -E(subscript 0) a^2 / square root of 2.

Is my answer close? I presumed that E is negative because the disk was in the positive Z direction. I apologize for the fact that I'm unable to upload images of my work. Any help would be very much appreciated!
 
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Is the field is uniform?

if no then think of integration.

if yes, no need of integration simply write field and the area as vectors and perform dot product of them.
 

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