How Does Flux Distribute in a Gaussian Cube with a Corner Charge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric flux through the faces of a Gaussian cube with a charge q located at one corner. The established solution involves surrounding the charge with eight cubes, leading to the conclusion that the flux through each face not adjacent to the charge is 1/24 * q/ε₀. The confusion arises from the assumption that there should be no flux through the three opposite faces of the original cube, despite the symmetry of the arrangement indicating otherwise. The resolution lies in recognizing that the Gaussian surface encompasses all eight cubes, distributing the flux evenly across their faces.

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  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric flux concepts
  • Basic knowledge of charge distribution in electrostatics
  • Experience with symmetry in physics problems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone studying electrostatics, particularly those focusing on electric flux and Gauss's Law applications.

quantum13
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Homework Statement


A particle charge of q is placed at one corner of a Gaussian cube. What multiple of q/\epsilon_0 gives the flux though each cube face not making up that corner?

The solution is amazing - stack up eight cubes around the corner and find the flux through each individual cube and individual face of the cube
<br /> (1/8 * 1/3) q/\epsilon_0 = 1/24 * q/\epsilon_0<br />

However, I don't see how this makes sense. There is no charge included in the three opposite faces of the cubes meaning there should be no flux there, even though there definitely is flux from the stacked cubes method. How can this contradiction be explained?

Homework Equations


Gauss's Law

The Attempt at a Solution



Uh.. ??
 
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Whew, confusing to say "q is placed at one corner of a Gaussian cube".
Leave out the word Gaussian for this cube!
The Gaussian surface you must consider is the outside surface of the set of 8 cubes surrounding q. From symmetry, you get the same flux through all the outside faces of those 8 cubes as through the three remote faces of that first cube. Looks like the Gaussian surface has 24 faces so each one gets 1/24 of the flux. And you are asked for the flux through 3 of those.
 

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