How to Calculate Electric Flux Through a Tilted Box?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric flux through a tilted cardboard box placed in an electric field of 1100 N/C. The box is tilted at an angle of 19° from the horizontal, with specific dimensions for each side. The equation used for calculating flux is Flux = E * A * cos(θ). Participants encountered difficulties in applying the correct angle for the cosine function when calculating flux for side B, leading to confusion regarding the orientation of the box and the definition of the base.

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  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Ability to calculate area for geometric shapes
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zooboodoo
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Homework Statement


A empty cardboard box is placed in an electric field pointing upwards with a strength of 1100 N/C as shown above. The bottom of the box is tilted up by an angle Θ = 19° from the horizontal. Side A of the box faces out of the page and is 10 cm high and 14 cm long. Sides B and C are 10 cm high and 12 cm deep. Sides D and E are 14 cm long and 12 cm deep.

calculate flux through each side of the box

Homework Equations


I have the equation Flux=EAcostheta



The Attempt at a Solution


(1100)(120)(cos71) did not give me the right answer, so I thought I would try cos19, but that also didn't work. ( that is for side B) I'm not sure if I'm missing something conceptually, I also tried the negatives for both of these answers, the flux is flowing through the side, to my understanding, i don't see when the flux would NOT be going through the side in order to get a negative result. If someone could help me grasp where I'm going wrong with one of the sides i would greatly appreciate it.
 
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Hi zooboodoo! :smile:

:confused: which is the base of the box? which edge is still on the table? :smile:
 

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