Proof of Gauss's law using coulomb's law

In summary, the conversation discusses the derivation of the flux through an arbitrary surface S due to a point charge q using the equation dΦ = E * dS = q/4(π)(ε0)(r2) * dS = q/4(π)(ε0) * dScosθ /(r2) = q/4(π)(ε0) * dΩ. It is then explained that the integral of dΩ is equal to 4π and therefore the flux is q/(ε0). The conversation also mentions using an arbitrary surface and the definition of dΩ as the solid angle subtended by the surface at the point where the charge
  • #1
demonelite123
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so my book has a point charge q inside an arbitrary surface S and at a point P on the surface S, the electric field is E = q/4(π)(ε0)(r2). so the flux through S is then dΦ = E * dS = q/4(π)(ε0)(r2) * dS = q/4(π)(ε0) * dScosθ /(r2) = q/4(π)(ε0) * dΩ. then my book takes the integral of both sides and ends up with Φ = q/4(π)(ε0) ∫ dΩ = q/4(π)(ε0) (4π) = q/(ε0).

what i don't understand it how did ∫ dΩ become 4π?
 
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  • #2
It looks like they're not using an arbitrary surface. S is a sphere of radius r, and dS is a small element of area on the sphere. What's [itex]d\Omega[/itex] in terms of [itex]\vartheta[/itex] and [itex]\varphi[/itex] and what are the integration limits for the two variables?
 
  • #3
Actually, you can use an arbitrary surface in this derivation.
d[tex]\Omega[/tex] is the solid angle subtended by the surface dS at the point where the charge q is placed.
[tex]\int[/tex]d[tex]\Omega[/tex] is the solid angle subtentded at the charge by the entire surface. it's value is 4[tex]\Pi[/tex]
 

1. What is Gauss's law?

Gauss's law is a fundamental law of electromagnetism that relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed by that surface. It states that the total electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space.

2. How is Coulomb's law related to Gauss's law?

Coulomb's law is used to derive Gauss's law. By applying Coulomb's law to an infinitesimal element of charge and integrating over the entire enclosed charge, Gauss's law can be derived.

3. Can Gauss's law be used to calculate the electric field at any point outside a charged object?

Yes, Gauss's law can be used to calculate the electric field at any point outside a charged object if the surface chosen for the closed integral is a Gaussian surface, which is a hypothetical surface that is chosen to simplify the calculation.

4. What is the significance of Gauss's law in electromagnetism?

Gauss's law is one of the four Maxwell's equations that govern the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. It is used to understand the behavior of electric fields and to calculate electric fields in various situations.

5. Can Gauss's law be used to calculate the electric field due to a non-spherical charge distribution?

Yes, Gauss's law can be applied to calculate the electric field due to a non-spherical charge distribution. However, a Gaussian surface must be chosen carefully to account for the asymmetry of the charge distribution.

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