Electric flux through a given surface depends on the electric field and the area

Question

Electric flux through a given surface depends on the electric field and the area vector. If the electric field varies strongly with position, we have to make the area element small enough so that we can assume the electric field is constant in magnitude and direction in that area. When you calculate electric flux you first evaluate the scalar (dot) product between the electric field vector and an area vector. Describe in your own words the meaning of this scalar product of the (local) electric field and the area vector (You may start with recalling what the meaning is of the area vector.) What does it mean when flux is positive or negative? HTML Editor A" Paragraph

Explanation / Answer

The number of electric force line per unit normal surface area represents electric field strength.

Electric field strength multiplied by unit normal vector is flux diverging through the surface.

Therefore the scalar product represents the electric flux through the surface.

If the flux is leaving the surface it is positive. If the flux entering the surface it is negative.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.