Why is the flux through the top of a cylinder zero?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of electric flux through the top of a cylinder, specifically addressing Example 27.2 from a textbook. The key conclusion is that the electric flux is zero when the electric field is tangent to the surface of the cylinder at all points. The participants emphasize the significance of understanding the charge distribution within the cylinder and its orientation, which affects the presence of field lines extending out of the cylinder's ends.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric flux and Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of charge distributions and their effects on electric fields
  • Basic concepts of cylindrical symmetry in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law and its applications in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their behavior near surfaces
  • Investigate different charge distributions and their impact on electric fields
  • Learn about cylindrical symmetry and its implications in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric fields and flux in cylindrical geometries.

Sam Anderson
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This is example 27.2 in my textbook. I have the answer, but it doesn't make sense to me. I understand that if electric field is tangent to the surface at all points than flux is zero. Why, though, does my textbook assume that the ends of the cylinder don't have field lines extending upwards and downwards, out of the top and bottom of the cylinder?
 
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What textbook? It's important to know what kind of charge distribution you have inside the cylinder and how it's positioned.
 

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