Question

(a) Define electric flux. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity?
A point charge is at a distance of directly above the centre of a square of side , as shown in the figure. Use Gauss' law to obtain the expression for the electric flux through the square.
(b) If the point charge is now moved to a distance from the centre of the square and the side of the square is doubled, explain how the electric flux will be affected.

800650
expand
Medium
Solution
verified
Verified by Toppr



The Electric flux is proportional to the number of field lines passing a given area in a unit of time. This definition cannot be used for calculating the exact value of flux, it is used only for the comparison of flux through two surfaces.

Magnitude of Electric flux is given by 
                                           
For plane surface and uniform Electric field, the above equation becomes:
                       

It is a scalar quantity.


Suppose a cube enclosing the charge q of side
Hence according to Gauss's law, the electric flux through the cube is

The given case can be considered as one of the face of such a cube.
By symmetry, the flux through the face is of the flux through the cube.
Hence flux through the square face =



Now, the charge is placed at a distance from the centre of square. Also, the side of the square is in this case.

In this case, the charge will be at the center of a cube of side 2d and the square will be one of its face.
According to a similar analysis as shown in Step 2 the electric flux through the face is:
Hence there will be no change in the electric flux.

Solve any question of Electric Charges and Fields with:-
Was this answer helpful?
upvote 0
downvote0
Similar questionsstar-struck