Is the Electric Flux Always 0 for a Uniform Electric Field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of electric flux in a uniform electric field, specifically questioning whether the total electric flux is always zero. It is established that for a closed surface in a uniform electric field, such as a cube, the electric flux through the surface is indeed zero due to Gauss's law. The law states that the electric flux is proportional to the net charge enclosed; if no charge is present, the total electric flux equals zero. This conclusion is supported by analyzing the contributions from the top and bottom faces of the cube, which cancel each other out.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, particularly surface integrals
  • Concept of electric flux and its mathematical representation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Gauss's Law in different geometries
  • Learn about electric field lines and their relation to electric flux
  • Explore applications of electric flux in electrostatics problems
  • Investigate the role of charge distribution in determining electric flux
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electrostatics and electric fields, particularly in relation to Gauss's Law and electric flux calculations.

Acuben
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Homework Statement



Not really a homework problem, but I have a conceptual question

assume a uniform Electric field in a direction, meaning Electric field does not change by location
if you have any objects, the total electric reflux is always 0?

Homework Equations


Electric reflux= ClosedIntegral (E * dA) r
where r is the unit vector of direction, can often be in form of cos x where x is the angle between the normal of a plane and direction of Electric field.


The Attempt at a Solution



It seems like if I solve a problem like this. I always get 0 so I'm wondering if it's a coincidence or not

it does seem to be true for cube through
consider E, or Electric field going up.
We only consider top part of the cube and the bottom plane of the cube since the sides would be perpendicular to E and and Elec. Flux=0 for side planes
As for Top plane, it would cancel out with bottom plane since they have same Area therefore same Elec flux.
 
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It's zero because Gauss' law requires that

[tex]\oint_S \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{Q_S}{\epsilon_0} ,[/tex]

where [tex]Q_S[/tex] is the net charge contained within the closed surface [tex]S[/tex]. If there are no charges, [tex]Q_S =0[/tex] and the integral vanishes.
 

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