How Much Flux Passes Through a Square in a Non-Uniform Electric Field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric flux through a square in a non-uniform electric field defined by E = 2x i - 3y j. The correct answer for the flux magnitude is confirmed to be 24 N·m²/C, derived from the dot product of the electric field and the area vector of the square. Participants emphasize the importance of using double integrals in Mathcad for a thorough solution, particularly for extra credit. The normal vector to the area is identified as j, aligning with the square's orientation in the x-z plane.

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  • Understanding of electric flux and its mathematical definition.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, specifically dot products.
  • Basic knowledge of double integrals and their application in physics.
  • Proficiency in using Mathcad for mathematical computations.
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  • Learn how to perform double integrals in Mathcad.
  • Study the concept of electric flux in varying electric fields.
  • Review vector calculus, focusing on dot products and area vectors.
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electric flux calculations in non-uniform electric fields.

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Homework Statement


Consider an electric field E = 2x i - 3y j. The coordinate x and y are measured in meters and the electric field is in N/C. What is the magnitude of the flux of this field through a square whose corners are located at (x,y,z) = (0,2,0), (2,2,0), (2,2,2), (0,2,2)?

Homework Equations


Our proffesor gave us the answer of 24. He's been wrong before so I'm not sure. The choices are 6, 12, 24, 0, 48.

The Attempt at a Solution


https://gyazo.com/bb9e4506b7124f7704ab9e0393f6d7f8
I did this in math cad. I've never done double integrals and I need some help. Thanks!
 
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justin15501 said:

Homework Statement


Consider an electric field E = 2x i - 3y j. The coordinate x and y are measured in meters and the electric field is in N/C. What is the magnitude of the flux of this field through a square whose corners are located at (x,y,z) = (0,2,0), (2,2,0), (2,2,0), (0,2,2)?

Homework Equations


Our proffesor gave us the answer of 24. He's been wrong before so I'm not sure. The choices are 6, 12, 24, 0, 48.

The Attempt at a Solution


https://gyazo.com/bb9e4506b7124f7704ab9e0393f6d7f8
I did this in math cad. I've never done double integrals and I need some help. Thanks!
Here is your Math Cad image:
upload_2016-7-18_17-16-42.png


It looks like your square only has 3 corners. I suppose the missing corner is at (2,2,2).

What is the definition of flux? It should include a scalar product (dot product).
 
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SammyS said:
Here is your Math Cad image:
View attachment 103440

It looks like your square only has 3 corners. I suppose the missing corner is at (2,2,2).

What is the definition of flux? It should include a scalar product (dot product).
I edited the original post. Sorry, I miss typed! It is at (2,2,2).
The definition of flux is the integral of electric field doted with area. What am I doing wrong in mathcad?
 
justin15501 said:
I edited the original post. Sorry, I miss typed! It is at (2,2,2).
The definition of flux is the integral of electric field doted with area. What am I doing wrong in mathcad?
What is the normal vector to the area ?
 
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SammyS said:
What is the normal vector to the area ?
Would the normal vector be flux? I'm not sure.
 
justin15501 said:
Would the normal vector be flux? I'm not sure.
No. You need a vector to associate with the area, so that you can take the dot product of that vector and the electric field.

The surface of the square is parallel to the x-z plane. What unit vector is normal to that square?
 
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SammyS said:
No. You need a vector to associate with the area, so that you can take the dot product of that vector and the electric field.

The surface of the square is parallel to the x-z plane. What unit vector is normal to that square?
j? I'm not searching for someone to do the problem for me, but I'm pressed for time as we were given this extra credit assignment today, so if you could just solve this and explain the steps you took, I would really appreciate it. The only reason I am asking is because of my time constraint.
 
I get that the flux goes through the j hat direction, so you take (3*2) = 6 and then multiply it by the area (2*2) and get 24. But my teacher wants us to solve this using a double integral in math cad for bonus points. I've never done double integrals so I just need an example or someone to do it and show me how..
 
justin15501 said:
j? I'm not searching for someone to do the problem for me, but I'm pressed for time as we were given this extra credit assignment today,

so if you could just solve this and explain the steps you took, I would really appreciate it. The only reason I am asking is because of my time constraint.
That's a self contradictory statement.

It's against PF rules to provide you with a solution. The best we can do is to help you to solve this yourself.

justin15501 said:
I get that the flux goes through the j hat direction, so you take (3*2) = 6 and then multiply it by the area (2*2) and get 24. But my teacher wants us to solve this using a double integral in math cad for bonus points. I've never done double integrals so I just need an example or someone to do it and show me how..
How do you describe the area over which you integrate? ... in addition to being normal to ##\ \hat{j}\ ##
 

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