How Does Gauss's Law Explain Net Flux in Electric Fields?

In summary, the conversation discusses a figure with two charges, +q and -q, and 24 electric field lines emanating from each charge. It is determined that the net flux through the closed surface surrounding the two charges is 0, as the charges are of equal magnitude and the same number of lines enter and exit the surface. The application of Gauss law or a conceptual approach can be used to confirm this.
  • #1
jaejoon89
195
0
A figure showing electric field lines has two charges, q and -q. There are 24 lines emanating from the +q charge. 15 of these lines terminate at -q. There are 24 lines terminating at the q- charge. What is the net flux through the surface surrounding the two charges?
 
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  • #2
Well it is a dipole with the two charges being of equal magnitude, so wouldn't the net flux be 0?
 
  • #3
It's a closed surface right? Then just apply Gauss law. A more "conceptual" approach is to count how many lines are entering the closed surface and how many are exiting. Then find the net number of lines exiting the surface.
 

Related to How Does Gauss's Law Explain Net Flux in Electric Fields?

1. How do electric fields work?

Electric fields are created by charged particles, such as protons and electrons. These charged particles exert a force on each other, and this force is what creates an electric field. The electric field is a vector field, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and it describes the strength and direction of the force that a charged particle would experience if it were placed in that field.

2. What is the difference between electric fields and magnetic fields?

Electric fields are created by charged particles, while magnetic fields are created by moving charged particles. Electric fields exert a force on charged particles, while magnetic fields exert a force on moving charged particles. Additionally, electric fields have a direction, while magnetic fields have both a direction and a polarity.

3. How are electric fields calculated?

The strength of an electric field is measured in units of force per unit charge, such as Newtons per Coulomb. The formula for calculating the strength of an electric field is E = F/Q, where E is the electric field strength, F is the force exerted on a charged particle, and Q is the charge of the particle.

4. What is the relationship between electric fields and electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field. The electric potential is directly proportional to the electric field strength, with the formula V = Ed, where V is the electric potential, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance between the charged particle and the source of the electric field.

5. How are electric fields used in everyday life?

Electric fields have a wide range of practical applications in everyday life. They are used in electronic devices, such as computers and cell phones, to manipulate and control the flow of electricity. Electric fields are also used in medical imaging technologies, such as MRI machines, to produce images of the body's internal structures. They are also used in industrial processes, such as electroplating, to deposit metal coatings on surfaces.

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