Is Electric Flux Equal to q Coulombs or Determined by Field Lines?

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SUMMARY

Electric flux is determined by the charge (q coulombs) and is proportional to the number of electric field lines emanating from positively charged objects and terminating on negatively charged objects. The discussion clarifies that while the first statement simplifies electric flux to q coulombs, the second statement provides a more comprehensive definition by incorporating a proportionality constant (C). Thus, the second source is correct as it encompasses the relationship between electric flux and charge more accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric charge and Coulombs
  • Familiarity with electric field lines and their representation
  • Knowledge of proportionality constants in physics
  • Basic grasp of electromagnetic theory
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  • Research the concept of electric flux in Gauss's Law
  • Study the relationship between electric field strength and charge distribution
  • Explore the role of proportionality constants in physics
  • Learn about the visualization of electric fields and field lines
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Physics students, educators, and professionals in electrical engineering who seek to deepen their understanding of electric flux and its relationship with charge and field lines.

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A source states "Electric flux = q coulombs"


While another states
"We choose the number of field lines starting from any positively charged object to be Cq and the number of lines ending on any negatively charged object to be C|q|, where C is an arbitrary proportionality constant. Once C is chosen, the number of lines
is fixed."



Now which one is right?
 
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The second one is just a more general definition. The number of flux lines just depends on the units chosen for the charge and the proportionality constant.

What matters is that the flux is proportional to the charge.
 
Yeah that's what the second source says...so the second source is right.
 

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