Gauss's Law: Net Charge Enclosed by Surface?

[breez]

I've been taught that in gauss's law, the charge that is used must be the net charge enclosed by a closed gaussian surface. If the charge is located on the surface of the gaussian surface (such as a particle charge) can we still use gauss's law? In other words, am I right in interpreting enclosed charge to mean any charge that that is not outside of the surface?

 

[jdg812]

If the charge is located on the surface of the gaussian surface (such as a particle charge) can we still use gauss's law?

Actually not. But if you have no choice, count only part of the charge on the surface. For a sphere this part may be 1/2. For a cube, 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8

 

[charng]

Yes, you are correct in interpreting "enclosed charge" to mean any charge that is contained within the closed gaussian surface. This is a fundamental principle of 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.

Therefore, if the charge is located on the surface of the gaussian surface, it is not considered to be enclosed and would not contribute to the net charge enclosed by the surface. In this case, Gauss's Law would not be applicable. However, if the charge is located within the gaussian surface, it would be considered to be enclosed and would contribute to the net charge, allowing for the application of Gauss's Law.

It is important to note that Gauss's Law is a powerful tool for solving problems involving electric fields and charges, but it is only applicable in certain situations. It is always important to carefully consider the geometry and placement of charges before applying this law.