What is the Relationship Between Net Flux and Total Charge for a Cube?

In summary: Can you explain it in simpler terms?In summary, the net flux for a cube is zero if there is no test charge present, but if there is a test charge, the net flux is equal to the total charge divided by 8.85E-12. This is based on the equation ∫EdA= Q/8.85E-12. The Q in Gauss's Law represents the total charge enclosed by the surface, which is located at the center of the surface. The closed integral in the equation implies that the charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
  • #1
baird.lindsay
36
0

Homework Statement



When is the net flux for a cube 0 and when is it not?


Homework Equations



∫EdA= Q/8.85E-12

The Attempt at a Solution



if you have no test charge then the flux of a cube is zero. but if you have a test charge then the net flux is the charge divided by 8.85E-12. I just want to make sure I am thinking about this correctly.
 
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  • #2
baird.lindsay said:

Homework Statement



When is the net flux for a cube 0 and when is it not?


Homework Equations



∫EdA= Q/8.85E-12

The Attempt at a Solution



if you have no test charge then the flux of a cube is zero. but if you have a test charge then the net flux is the charge divided by 8.85E-12. I just want to make sure I am thinking about this correctly.
It has nothing to do with a test charge.

What does the Q represent in Gauss's Law? ##\displaystyle\ \int \vec{E}\cdot\vec{dA}=\frac{Q}{\varepsilon_0} \ ? ##
 
  • #3
Q is the total charge...
 
  • #4
baird.lindsay said:
Q is the total charge...
The total charge of what? ... Where is this charge located?
 
  • #5
So far you are on the right track... Just think about where the charge is in relation to your Gaussian Surface. It's very important that you understand this!
 
  • #6
Look closely at the form of the Equation:


[itex]\oint[/itex][itex]\vec{E}[/itex][itex]\cdot[/itex][itex]\vec{dA}[/itex]


What are the implications of the closed integral?
 
  • #7
SammyS said:
The total charge of what? ... Where is this charge located?

Q is the total charge enclosed by the surface. its located in the center of the surface...Im not sure I understand.
 

What is Gauss's Law for a Cube?

Gauss's Law for a Cube is a fundamental law in electrostatics that relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed by that surface. It is a mathematical representation of the physical law that states that the total electric charge within a closed surface is proportional to the electric field at that surface.

How is Gauss's Law for a Cube mathematically expressed?

Gauss's Law for a Cube is mathematically expressed as ∮SE⋅dA = Qenc0, where ∮SE⋅dA represents the electric flux through a closed surface, Qenc represents the charge enclosed by that surface, and ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

What is the significance of a cube in Gauss's Law for a Cube?

A cube is often used in Gauss's Law as it is a simple and symmetrical shape that allows for easier calculation of the electric flux through its surface. However, the law applies to any closed surface, regardless of its shape.

How does Gauss's Law for a Cube relate to Coulomb's Law?

Gauss's Law for a Cube is a generalization of Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Gauss's Law allows for the calculation of the electric field for more complex charge distributions, not just point charges.

What are the applications of Gauss's Law for a Cube?

Gauss's Law for a Cube has many practical applications in the study of electromagnetism, such as in the design of electric circuits and the behavior of conductors and insulators. It is also used in the analysis of electric fields in areas such as particle accelerators and plasma physics.

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