Net Flux due to charge on surface

AI Thread Summary
A point charge located directly on the surface of a closed surface does not contribute to the net electric flux through that surface. According to Gauss's law, only charges enclosed within the surface affect the net flux, while a charge on the surface results in an equal number of electric field lines entering and exiting. This creates an undefined electric field at the exact location of the charge. Therefore, a surface charge behaves similarly to a point charge outside the surface, having no net effect on the flux. Understanding these principles is crucial for applying Gauss's law correctly.
qz27
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Hello,
Will a point charge directly on the surface affect the net flux through the surface?

(will it contribute to the next flux like a point inside the surface? i thought about it, and it seems like it will produce the same # of electric field lines going in as going out, so would it behave like a point charge outside the surface?)
 
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I'd say that Gauss's law refers to the charge within a closed surface; if a point charge were on the surface, its field would be undefined at that point.
 
hmm... i never knew that could happend, i thought it would either contribute to the flux or has nothing to do with it.
thanks!
 
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