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A Gaussian surface is a hypothetical surface that is used to calculate the electric flux passing through it. It is a closed surface that can be any shape, but is usually chosen to be a symmetrical shape to simplify calculations.
The electric flux through a Gaussian surface is determined using Gauss's Law, which states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the net charge enclosed by that surface divided by the permittivity of free space (ε0). In other words, the electric flux through a Gaussian surface can be calculated by multiplying the charge enclosed by the surface by the inverse of ε0.
A positive electric flux through a Gaussian surface indicates that the net electric field passing through the surface is directed outward. This means that the enclosed charge is a source of the electric field.
Yes, there are two specific shapes that will always have an electric flux of +q/ε0 through them. These are a spherical surface with the enclosed charge at its center, and a cylindrical surface with the enclosed charge along its axis.
According to Gauss's Law, the electric flux through a Gaussian surface is directly proportional to the enclosed charge. This means that if the enclosed charge increases, the electric flux will also increase, and vice versa.