Can electric flux be measured in Coulombs?

In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of electric flux and its relation to electric charge. The first definition states that one coulomb of electric charge equals one Coulomb of electric flux, while the second definition is measured in Volt-meters or Newton-meter^2 / Coulomb. The discrepancy is possibly due to the assumption that epsilon zero has no dimension. The suggestion is to search for Gauss Law for further clarification.
  • #1
diagopod
98
3
Learning electrodynamics here, and the book I'm reading says the following: "By definition, one coulomb of electric charge gives rise to one Coulomb of electric flux, hence Psi = Q (Coulombs)."

Yet I'm reasonably certain that flux is not simply charge, and is not measured in Coulombs alone, at least by most definitions. Everywhere else I seem to encounter flux as Volt-meters, or Newton-meter^2 / Coulomb.

Is there a way to reconcile these two definitions or is the first one simply incorrect?
 
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  • #2
Probabliy this definition happens when one decide that epsilon zero has no dimension.

Search for Gauss Law.


Best Regards

DaTario
 
  • #3
DaTario said:
Probabliy this definition happens when one decide that epsilon zero has no dimension.

Makes sense. Thanks DaTario
 

Related to Can electric flux be measured in Coulombs?

1. What is electric flux?

Electric flux is a measure of the flow of an electric field through a given area. It is represented by the symbol ΦE and is measured in units of Coulombs (C).

2. How is electric flux calculated?

Electric flux is calculated by taking the dot product of the electric field vector and the area vector. This can be represented by the formula: ΦE = E * A * cosθ, where E is the electric field, A is the area, and θ is the angle between the two vectors.

3. Can electric flux be measured in Coulombs?

Yes, electric flux is measured in units of Coulombs (C). It represents the amount of electric field passing through a given area. The higher the electric flux, the stronger the electric field.

4. What are some real-life applications of measuring electric flux?

Electric flux is an important concept in the study of electricity and has many practical applications. It is used in calculations for electrical systems, such as power grids and circuits. It is also used in the design of electronic devices and in understanding the behavior of electric fields in various materials.

5. Can electric flux be negative?

Yes, electric flux can be negative. This occurs when the electric field and the area vector are in opposite directions, resulting in a negative dot product. A negative electric flux indicates that the electric field is flowing in the opposite direction of the area vector.

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