Solving Gauss's Law Problem: Two +q Charges Separated by d

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Gauss's Law to a scenario involving two point charges, +q and +q, separated by a distance d. Participants explore the implications of electric field behavior at a point P along the line connecting the charges, where the electric fields from both charges are thought to cancel each other out.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants examine the choice of Gaussian surfaces and their implications on the surface integral of the electric field. Questions arise about the nature of electric field lines and their behavior at point P, particularly regarding symmetry and the absence of charge at that location.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing differing perspectives on the calculations and assumptions involved. Some offer qualitative arguments and challenge the reasoning presented, while others seek clarification on the mathematical aspects of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of Gauss's Law, particularly in relation to the symmetry of the electric field and the characteristics of the chosen Gaussian surface. Participants express uncertainty about the implications of having no charge at point P and the resulting electric field behavior.

Avinash Verma
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Consider two point charges +q,+q. Separated by distance d.
now there exist a point P on the line joining these two charges where electric field cancels out at distance d/2 from the charge.
If we make a Gaussian surface at this point and work out the surface integral it won't be zero.
since two field come in at this point to cancel each other.
My argument for why those field line coming in at point P has to meet is symmetry they cannot go right or left doesn't make any sense.
But there is no charge there!
how is it possible?
or is there any mistake in my question .
please tell your thoughts.
 

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Depends on the Gaussian surface you have chosen.

If the surface excludes either charge, the surface integral of E (or D) is zero. If both charges ar included within the surface the surface integral of D = 2q. Etc.
Not sure what your question really is.
 
Avinash Verma said:
work out the surface integral it won't be zero
It will be, as rudy says. To prove otherwise, show us and do the math !
 
rude man said:
Depends on the Gaussian surface you have chosen.

If the surface excludes either charge, the surface integral of E (or D) is zero. If both charges ar included within the surface the surface integral of D = 2q. Etc.
Not sure what your question really is.
the image shows the gaussian surface around which integral need to be taken and am talking just about that single field line (along the line joining the two charges )has to come in and cancel each other because of the symmetry and the surface in the image has lines coming in.
we have a point where the field is zero if we go a little to the left (along the line joining the two charges)than we have a field coming same goes for the right side.
Flux through a closed surface without any charge inside.
(I may be wrong some where but where?)
 
Do the math. Sphere with radius ##>0## will have field lines coming in from left & right, but going out top & bottom
 
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Sorry, but you are just simply wrong. You cannot compute surface integrals by looking at field lines - that is just a heuristic. If you want to draw the lone you are talking about, then you should also be drawing the vertical line in the middle of the charges. This is where the lines you are talking about ”come out” if you wsnt to use the heuristic.
 
Avinash Verma said:
the image shows the gaussian surface around which integral need to be taken and am talking just about that single field line (along the line joining the two charges )has to come in and cancel each other because of the symmetry and the surface in the image has lines coming in. we have a point where the field is zero if we go a little to the left (along the line joining the two charges)than we have a field coming same goes for the right side. Flux through a closed surface without any charge inside. (I may be wrong some where but where?)
Since there is cylindrical symmetry in this problem, consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface. You're only looking at the flux through the two ends of the cylinder. What about the flux through the cylindrical part of the surface?
 
Avinash Verma said:
View attachment 228858

My argument for why those field line coming in at point P has to meet is symmetry they cannot go right or left doesn't make any sense.
But there is no charge there!
how is it possible?
or is there any mistake in my question .
please tell your thoughts.
You shy away from doing the math, it seems.
Well, here is another qualitative argument: the blue field lines bend off to infinity. You draw two black field lines that stop. That is unphysical(*). They too bend off to infinity, either left or right.

(*) Unless they are smack on the axis, in which case the contributing area on the gauss surface is zero.

A test charge would not come to a stop, but shoot away. The origin is an unstable saddle point.
 
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