# What is the flux through (a) each cube face

1. May 4, 2008

### danago

A point particle with charge q is placed at a corner of a cube of edge a . What is the flux through (a) each cube face forming that corner and (b) each of the other cube faces?

I tried modelling the problem by positioning the charge such that it is at point (0,0,0) in the x-y-z space. The cube then extends out in the positive x, y and z directions.

I then defined the unit vectors i, j and k to extend in the x, y and z directions respectively. Now im not sure if my next step is valid, but it seemed to be a decent thing to do. I said that the electric field due to the charge is given by:

$$\overrightarrow E = \frac{{kq}}{{x^2 }}\widehat{\underline i } + \frac{{kq}}{{y^2 }}\widehat{\underline j } + \frac{{kq}}{{z^2 }}\widehat{\underline k }$$

I then evaluated the integral of the dot product of vectors E and dA over one of the cubes faces, and came up with the expression for flux as kq, however this wasnt the correct result.

Anyone able to help with the question?

Thanks,
Dan.

2. May 4, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

That expression for the field strength is not correct. The field points radially outward from the point charge; its magnitude is kq/r^2.

In any case, you don't need that at all. Instead, put on your thinking cap.

Picture the field emanating uniformly in all directions. Using symmetry arguments and Gauss's law (and the meaning of flux) will tell you the flux without the need for any calculation.

3. May 4, 2008

### danago

Sorry forgot to mention, i got part (a) correct as 0.

It was part (b) i was having trouble with. Is (b) still solvable using symmetry arguments?

4. May 4, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

Good.
Sure!

Hint: What's the total flux through all sides of the cube? Which side has the most flux?

5. May 4, 2008

### danago

Will the total flux be $$\Phi=q / \epsilon_0$$? And will the flux through each of the other faces be the same, therefore making the flux through each face just be $$\Phi=q / (3\epsilon_0)$$?

Last edited: May 4, 2008
6. May 4, 2008

You got it!

7. May 4, 2008

### danago

Thanks very much That made it much easier than whatever i was trying to do originally haha.

8. May 4, 2008

### danago

Hmm i tried inputting that answer, but it isnt showing up as correct. Apparently the answer is supposed to be $$\Phi=q / (24\epsilon_0)$$. Any idea whats going on there?

9. May 4, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

Yes. Big whoops! () $\Phi=q / \epsilon_0$ is the total flux in all directions. How much goes through that cube?

10. May 4, 2008

### danago

Oh i think i see whats going on here. I can picture the charge as being in the center of 8 smaller cubes, so the flux through just the cube will be 1/8th of the total flux; and then dividing by 3 gives the correct answer

Thanks again Doc Al!

11. May 4, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

Exactly. (Sorry about not catching that the first time around. Asleep at the wheel.)