1. GAUSS’S LAW
Gauss’s Law
an alternative method for calculating electric fields that
are produced by highly symmetric charge distributions
more conventient and easy
Gauss’s law give a relation between the charge and electric flux
Electric Flux
Let’s consider a uniform electric field
lines which are directed along the y axis
𝑬 uniform
𝑨
Then let’s locate a rectangular shaped plate with the
surface A which is perpendicular to the electric field lines.
Electric field lines penerate the surface area of the plate.
The total number of the electric field lines penerating the
surface area A is proportional to the product of E and A!
𝜱𝑬 = 𝑬𝑨
known as electric flux that is proportional to the number of the
electric field lines penerating perpendicularly to the surface plane
𝑁
𝐶
𝑚2
𝑁𝑚2
𝐶 How electric flux can be a scaler quantity?
2. GAUSS’S LAW
If the electric field lines do not penerate to the surface plane perpendicularly, how we can
write the electric flux?
𝑬 uniform
𝑨
𝜽
• We should find the electric field vector component
which is perpendicular to the surface area A!
𝑨
𝜽
𝑬⊥
𝑬⊥ = 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
is penerating
the surface
perpendicularly
𝑨
𝑨
𝜽
𝑨
𝜽
𝑨⊥
𝑨 is the surface area vector which is
perpendicular to surface!
𝑨⊥ = 𝑨𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
So 𝑨 is parallel to the 𝑬⊥ or 𝑬 is parallel to the 𝑨⊥!
𝜱𝑬 = 𝑬 ⋅ 𝑨 = 𝑬𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
Scalar product
Scalar quantity
Angle between the
electric field lines and
surface area vector!
3. GAUSS’S LAW
𝑨 is always perpendicular to surface area and also directed outward from the closed surface!
𝜱𝑬 = 𝑬 ⋅ 𝑨 = 𝑬𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 only valid for uniform electric field lines!
𝜱𝑬 = න 𝑬 ⋅ 𝒅𝑨 for non-uniform electric field lines!
Differential surface area element,
perpendicular to the surface!
Exercise: a positive charge of q=3 µC is located at the center of a sphere with radius of 0.2 m.
Find the electric flux through the surface of the sphere.
+𝑞
𝑅
𝑞 = 3 𝜇𝐶 = 3 10−6𝐶
Let’s define the type of electric field
electric field lines on the surface of the sphere is not uniform. WHY?
Every point on the sphere surface has
the same distance to the point charge q.
𝑬 =
𝒌𝒆𝒒
𝒓𝟐
Magnitude of the E field on the sphere surface
𝑬𝟏
𝒅𝑨𝟏
• q creates an E field directed outward, every point on the surface has same magnitude of
electric field but with different direction! Due to this E field is not uniform on the surface!
𝑬𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝑬𝟑 𝒅𝑨𝟑
4. GAUSS’S LAW
+𝑞
𝑅
𝑬𝟏
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝑬𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝑬𝟑 𝒅𝑨𝟑
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 = ර 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Integral over a closed surface, A!
= ර 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00
There is always 0 degrees between
E and dA for this question
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸 ර 𝑑𝐴 Surface area of the sphere
Magnitude of the E field is constant!
𝜱𝑬 = 𝑬 𝟒𝝅𝑹𝟐
=
𝑘𝑒𝑞
𝑅2 4𝜋𝑅2
𝒌𝒆 = 𝟏/𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎
=
𝑞
𝑅2
4𝜋𝑅2
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎
𝜱𝑬 =
𝒒
𝜺𝟎
Electric field of the point charge! =
3 10−6𝐶
8.85 10−12𝐶2/𝑁𝑚2
𝑞 = 3 𝜇𝐶 = 3 10−6𝐶
Permittivity of free space
8.8542 10−12
𝐶2
/𝑁𝑚2 = 0.339 106
𝑁𝑚2
/𝐶
5. GAUSS’S LAW
Let’s consider closed surface in the
uniform electric field E as shown!
Let’s focus on some small surface area elements!
(1) 𝜽 < 𝟗𝟎𝟎 and 𝜱𝑬 > 𝟎
𝜱𝑬 = 𝑬 ⋅ 𝑨 = 𝑬𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
The electric flux
through this A
element is positive
(2) 𝜽 = 𝟗𝟎𝟎
and 𝑬 ⊥ ∆𝑨𝟐 ; 𝜱𝑬 = 𝟎
(3) 𝜽 > 𝟗𝟎𝟎
and 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 < 𝟎; 𝜱𝑬 < 𝟎
The electric flux
through this A
element is zero
The electric flux
through this A
element is negative
The net flux : number of lines leaving
the surface minus the number of lines
entering the surface.
If more lines are leaving than entering;
𝜱𝑬,𝒏𝒆𝒕 >
If more lines are entering than leaving;
𝜱𝑬,𝒏𝒆𝒕 <
If leaving and entering lines are same;
𝜱𝑬,𝒏𝒆𝒕 = 𝟎
6. 𝒅𝑨𝟔
GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: consider a uniform electric field E oriented in the x direction in empty space. A cube
of edge length l is placed in the field as shown. Find the net electric flux through the surface
area of the cube.
𝑥
𝑦
𝑧
𝑬 uniform
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝒍
𝒍
𝒅𝑨𝟑
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟒
𝒅𝑨𝟓
Cube has six surfaces and all of them
same square. Let’s calculate each surface
electric flux seperately and then obtain
the net electric flux of the cube.
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 =
𝑖=1
6
𝛷𝐸,𝑖
𝐸 = 𝐸 Ƹ
𝑖
𝛷𝐸 = න 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 = න 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
If 𝜃 = 900, 𝛷𝐸 = 0 For 3,4,5 and 6 surfaces, 𝜱𝑬 = 𝟎
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝛷𝐸,1 + 𝛷𝐸,2
1st surface is placed in the yz plane; 𝑑𝐴 = −𝑑𝐴 Ԧ
𝑖 𝛷𝐸,1 = න 𝐸 Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ (−𝑑𝐴 Ԧ
𝑖) = −𝐸 න 𝑑𝐴 = −𝐸𝑙2
2nd surface is placed in the yz plane; 𝑑𝐴 = +𝑑𝐴 Ԧ
𝑖 𝛷𝐸,2 = න 𝐸 Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ (𝑑𝐴 Ԧ
𝑖) = 𝐸 න 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸𝑙2
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 0
We obtained a very important result;
when any closed surface is located in a uniform electric field the net flux through the closed
surface that surrounds no charge is zero! When a charged particle is placed in a closed
surface or closed surface is located in a non uniform electric field the net flux can not be zero!
7. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a triangular prism is located in a uniform E field of 𝐸 = 600 𝑖 𝑁/𝐶. Find the electric
flux for each five surfaces of the prism.
𝑬 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝒊 𝑵/𝑪
𝜃
3 𝑚
3 𝑚
5 𝑚
4 𝑚
𝜃
900
− 𝜃
For the front and back triangular surfaces in the xy
plane E flux must be zero!
𝑥
𝑦
𝑧
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝑑𝐴1 = 𝑑𝐴1
𝑘
𝑑𝐴2 = −𝑑𝐴2
𝑘
𝐸 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴1
𝐸 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴2
𝛷𝐸,1 = 𝛷𝐸,2 = 0
𝜃
𝑥
𝑦
𝑧
𝒅𝑨𝟑
𝑑𝐴3 = −𝑑𝐴3 Ƹ
𝑖
𝛷𝐸,3 = න 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 = න 600 Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ −𝑑𝐴3 Ƹ
𝑖
𝛷𝐸,3 = −600 32
= −5400 𝑁𝑚2
/𝐶
𝒅𝑨𝟒
𝑑𝐴4 = −𝑑𝐴4 Ƹ
𝑗
𝐸 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴4 𝛷𝐸,4 = 0
𝒅𝑨𝟓
𝜃
𝛷𝐸,5 = න 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴5 = න 𝐸𝑑𝐴5𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝛷𝐸,5 = 600 3 5
3
5
= 5400 𝑁𝑚2/𝐶
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 0
8. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a closed surface with dimensions of a=0.2 m, b=0.3 m and c=0.3 m is located in the
electric field of 𝐸 = 3 + 2𝑥2 Ԧ
𝑖 𝑁/𝐶 where x is in meters. Calculate the net electric flux
leaving the closed surface.
𝑥
𝑦
𝑧
𝑥 = 𝑎
𝑐
𝑎
𝑏
The electric field is not uniform it varies
with x coordinate. The electric flux must be
calculated by using integral!
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝒅𝑨𝟐
Non zero electric flux is observed for the
1st and 2nd surfaces.
𝑑𝐴1 = −𝑑𝐴1 Ƹ
𝑖
𝛷𝐸,1 = න 𝐸1 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴1 = න(3 + 2𝑎2) Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ −(𝑑𝐴1) Ƹ
𝑖
= (3 + 2𝑎2) Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ −(𝑎𝑏) Ƹ
𝑖 = −(3 + 2𝑎2)𝑎𝑏
𝑑𝐴2 = 𝑑𝐴2 Ƹ
𝑖
𝛷𝐸,2 = න 𝐸2 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴2 = න(3 + 2(𝑎 + 𝑐)2) Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ (𝑑𝐴2) Ƹ
𝑖
= ((3 + 2(𝑎 + 𝑐)2
)) Ƹ
𝑖 ⋅ (𝑎𝑏) Ƹ
𝑖 = (3 + 2𝑎2
+ 4𝑎𝑐 + 2𝑐2
)𝑎𝑏
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = − 3 + 2𝑎2 𝑎𝑏 + (3 + 2𝑎2 + 4𝑎𝑐 + 2𝑐2)𝑎𝑏
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = − 3𝑎𝑏 + 2𝑎3
𝑏 + (3𝑎𝑏 + 2𝑎3
𝑏 + 4𝑎2
𝑏𝑐 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑐2
)
𝛷𝐸,𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 4𝑎2𝑏𝑐 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑐2 = 4 0.22 0.3 0.3 + 2 0.2 0.3 0.32 = 0.2688 𝑁𝑚2/𝐶
9. GAUSS’S LAW
Gauss’s Law
Gauss’s Law relates electric charge and electric field
a more general and elegant form of Coulumb’s law.
The net electric flux through any closed surface is
given by 𝒒𝒊𝒏/𝜺𝟎 where; «𝒒𝒊𝒏» equals the net charge
inside the closed surface known as Gaussian surface.
𝜱𝑬 = ර 𝑬 ⋅ 𝒅𝑨 =
𝒒𝒊𝒏
𝜺𝟎
Gauss’s Law
The electric field at
any point on the
Gaussian surface
Closed surface
The electric field created by highly symmetric charge
distributions can be calculated easily by using Gauss’s law.
The way to follow when Gauss’s law is applied:
1) A closed Gaussian surface is drawn in accordance with symmetry of the charge distribution
2) The point where electric field will be calculated must coincide with choosen Gaussian surface
3) The electric field vector 𝑬 and the surface area vector 𝒅𝑨 are drawn and the electric flux is
written equal to 𝒒𝒊𝒏/𝜺𝟎
. Hence the electric field is calculated.
❖ before we have calculated the electric flux of a +q point charge through a spherical surface.
𝜱𝑬 =
𝒒
𝜺𝟎
for spherical Gaussian surface
10. GAUSS’S LAW
The net electric flux is the same through all surfaces.
For 𝑺𝟐 and 𝑺𝟑 non spherical surfaces; the net electric flux does
not change. Because the net electric flux is proportional to the
number of electric field lines passing through a surface. As
shown, number of lines passing through all surfaces are equal.
The net flux through any closed surface surrounding a point charge
q is given by 𝒒/𝜺𝟎 and it is independent of shape of that surface.
In this condition, the point charge is outside the
closed surface. So the number of electric field lines
entering and leaving the closed surface are the same.
𝜱𝑬 = ර 𝑬 ⋅ 𝒅𝑨 =
𝒒𝒊𝒏
𝜺𝟎
= 𝟎
𝜱𝑬,𝑺 =
𝒒𝟏
𝜺𝟎
𝜱𝑬,𝑺′ =
𝒒𝟐+ 𝒒𝟑
𝜺𝟎
𝜱𝑬,𝑺′′ = 𝟎
11. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: Find the electric field created by an isolated point charge of q at r distance far from
the charge by using Gauss’s law.
Spherical Gaussian surface is suitable closed surface
that surrounds the point charge of q.
You should choose a Gaussian surface such that the
magnitude of the electric field at each point on the
surface must be the same.
Gaussian surface is an imaginary surface.
When the charge is at the center of the sphere the
electric field is everywhere normal to the surface and
constant in magnitude.
The electric field’s magnitude is constant at every point on the Gaussian surface, because
there is a constant r distance between the charge and the point on the surface.
For every point on the sphere 𝑬 ∕∕ 𝒅𝑨, 𝜃 = 00
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
ර 𝐸𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝐸 ර 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸4𝜋𝑟2 =
𝒒
𝜀0
𝐸 =
𝑞
𝟒𝝅𝑟2𝜺𝟎
𝑬 = 𝒌𝒆
𝒒
𝒓𝟐
ො
𝒓
The unit vector which is radially directed outward!
ො
𝒓
12. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a spherically symmetric charge distribution. An insulating solid sphere of radius a has
a uniform volume charge density, 𝜌 and carries a total positive charge Q.
a) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field at a point outside the sphere
b) Find the magnitude of the electric field at a point inside the sphere.
𝒂
𝝆
𝑸 For points outside the sphere a large spherical gaussian surface is
drawn concentric with the sphere.
𝑟 > 𝑎 ර 𝐸1 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝑑𝐴
𝐸
𝑑𝐴
𝐸
𝑑𝐴
𝐸
For each point on the Gaussian surface 𝐸 ∕∕ 𝑑𝐴, 𝜃 = 00
ර 𝐸1𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
𝑄
𝜀0
How much charge is trapped in the Gaussian surface ?
= 𝐸1 4𝜋𝑟2
𝐸1 = 𝑘𝑒𝑄/𝑟2
For points inside the sphere, a spherical Gaussian surface smaller than the sphere is drawn.
𝑑𝐴
𝐸
ර 𝐸2 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
ර 𝐸2𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝐸24𝜋𝑟2
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
This time net charge inside
the Gaussian surface is <Q!
13. GAUSS’S LAW
Since the charge distribution is uniform q inside can be determined by constructing a direct
proportion.
The total charge 𝑄 is distributed over volume
4
3
𝜋𝑎3
Charge of 𝑞𝑖𝑛 distributed over volume
4
3
𝜋𝑟3
Q
4
3
𝜋𝑟3
= 𝑞𝑖𝑛
4
3
𝜋𝑎3
Q 𝑟3
/𝑎3
= 𝑞𝑖𝑛 𝐸24𝜋𝑟2
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= Q
𝑟3
𝜀0𝑎3
𝐸2 = 𝑘𝑒𝑄𝑟/𝑎3
𝑟 = 𝑎, is critical distance 𝐸1 = 𝐸2
𝐸1(𝑎) = 𝑘𝑒𝑄/𝑎2
𝐸2(𝑎) = 𝑘𝑒𝑄𝑎/𝑎3
𝒂
What if the sphere was a conductor?
14. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a solid insulating sphere of radius a has a non-uniform charge density of 𝜌 = 𝛼𝑟2
where 𝛼 is a positive constant and r is the radial distance from the center of the sphere.
a) Find the 𝛼 constant in terms of the total charge of the sphere, Q
b) Find the electric field outside the sphere
c) Find the electric field inside the sphere
𝒂
𝝆 = 𝜶𝒓𝟐
The charge distribution is non uniform, hence the charge
will be calculated by using integral not a direct proportion!
𝑄 = න 𝑑𝑞 = න 𝝆𝑑𝑉 = න 𝜶𝒓𝟐
𝟒𝝅𝒓𝟐
𝒅𝒓 =
𝑉𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 =
4
3
𝜋𝑟3
𝑑𝑉𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 =
4
3
𝜋3𝑟2𝑑𝑟
4𝜋𝛼 න
𝑟=0
𝑟=𝑎
𝑟4
𝑑𝑟
𝑄 = 4𝜋𝛼
𝑟5
5
=
4
5
𝜋𝛼𝑎5
𝑑𝑉𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 = 𝟒𝝅𝒓𝟐𝒅𝒓
Surface area x thickness
𝛼 =
5𝑄
4𝜋𝑎5
𝒂
𝑟 > 𝑎 ර 𝐸1 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝑑𝐴
ර 𝐸1𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
𝑄
𝜀0
= 𝐸1 4𝜋𝑟2
𝐸1 = 𝑘𝑒𝑄/𝑟2
16. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: Find the electric field at a distance r from a wire with positive charge, infinite length
and constant charge per unit length, 𝜆.
+∞
−∞
𝒓
+
+
+
+
The must suitable Gaussian Surface (GS) that surrounds the
linear charge density is cylindrical GS with radius r and length l.
𝑷
𝒓
𝑷
+
+
+
+
𝒍
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝑬𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟑
𝑬𝟏
𝑬𝟑
Top view
+ 𝑬
ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
We have two flat ends of cylinder
and the curved lateral surface!
= න 𝐸1 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴1 + න 𝐸2 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴2 + න 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3
𝐸1 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴1 𝐸3 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴3
The field magnitude is same for all points on
lateral surface and E is always parallel to dA.
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= න 𝐸2 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴2 = න 𝐸2𝑑𝐴2𝑐𝑜𝑠00 𝐸22𝜋𝑟𝒍 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝑞𝑖𝑛: the charge surrounded by the
cylinder with radius r and length l 𝑞𝑖𝑛= 𝜆𝑙
𝐸22𝜋𝑟𝑙 =
𝜆𝑙
𝜀0
𝑬𝟐 =
𝟐𝒌𝒆𝝀
𝒓
Compare with previous week’s results!
17. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: Find the electric field due to an infinite plane (insulator*) of positive charge with
uniform surface charge density, 𝜎.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Similar to our previous question we can select a cylindrical
GS that includes small portions of the charge distribution.
ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= න 𝐸1 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴1 + න 𝐸2 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴2 + න 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3
𝒅𝑨𝟏
𝑬𝟏
𝒅𝑨𝟐
𝑬𝟐
𝒅𝑨𝟑
𝑬𝟑
𝐸2 ⊥ 𝑑𝐴2
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= න 𝐸1𝑑𝐴1𝑐𝑜𝑠00
+ න 𝐸3𝑑𝐴3𝑐𝑜𝑠00
The electric field’s magnitude will be same for the right and
left ends. Because the distances between the charge
distribution and the ends are the same!
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= 2𝐸𝐴
𝒒𝒊𝒏= 𝝈𝑨
𝜎𝑑𝐴
𝜀0
= 2𝐸𝑑𝐴 𝑬 =
𝝈
𝟐𝜺𝟎
Compare with previous results!
18. GAUSS’S LAW
Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
we have focused on the calculation of electric fields due to insulating materials.
The charge carriers can not move in the insulators
but they can freely move within the conducting materials.
When there is no net motion of charge within a conductor
the conductor said to be in electrostatic equilibrium.
In gauss problems we will often
face with the conductors in
electrostatic equilibrium.
A conductor in electrostatic equilibrium must satisfy the following properties;
1) The electric field is zero everywhere inside the conductor whether conductor is solid or hollow
• Let’s locate a conducting slab in an external electric field E
The free electrons accelerates to the left and the motion
of the electrons causes a positively charged right surface.
So an opposite electric field to the external electric field E
is established inside the conductor.
The motion of the electrons continues until the electric field
inside conductor balances an external electric field vector E.
19. GAUSS’S LAW
1) The electric field is zero everywhere inside the conductor whether conductor is solid or hollow
The net electric field inside the conductor
becomes zero in ~ 10-16 s for good conductors.
Additionally if electric field were not zero inside the conductor
the free electrons would experience an eE electric forces on
themselves and they would accelerate.
2) If an isolated conductor carries a charge the charge resides on its surface.
GS very close to the
conductor surface!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
E=0
The net charge inside GS must be zero because the E field is
zero inside the conductor that is at electrostatic equilibrium.
ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
if conductor is charged these charges must reside on its surface
otherwise net zero electric field condition are not satisfied.
20. GAUSS’S LAW
3) The electric field just outside a charged conductor is perpendicular to the surface and it
has a magnitude of 𝜎/𝜀0 where sigma «𝜎» is the surface charge density at that point.
𝐸𝐴
small cylindircal GS is choosen
Some part of the cylinder is outside and remaining part is inside
the condutor
Let’s consider + conducting material. The non zero electric flux
comes from only the flat surface which is outside conductor.
The non zero electric flux comes from only the flat surface which
is outside conductor.
Because the electric field inside the conductor is zero, so that surface
inside the conductor does not experience any electric field lines and
also electric flux.
For the lateral surface E is parallel to surface and there is always 90° between E and dA.
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 = න
𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆
𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒕
𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆
.
𝑬 ⋅ 𝒅𝑨 + න
𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒
𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 + න𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡
𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒
.
𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
න
𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
𝑓.𝑠.
.
𝐸𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝐸𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
𝜎𝐴
𝜀0
𝑬 =
𝝈
𝜺𝟎
The magnitude of the electric field immediately outside a charged conductor.
21. GAUSS’S LAW
4) On a irregularly shaped conductor the surface charge density is greatest at locations where
the radius of the curvature of the surface is smallest. +
increasing curvarture
decreasing curvarture radius
flat
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Exercise: a solid insulating sphere of radius R has a non uniform charge density, 𝜌 = 𝛼𝑟. And
has a total charge of +2Q (where alpha is a positive constant and r is the radial distance from
the origin) concentric with the sphere, a conducting spherical shell with the inner and outer
radii of 2R and 3R carries +4Q.
a) Find the alpha constant in terms of Q and R
b) Find the magnitude of the electric field in the regions
𝑹
𝟐𝑹
+𝟐𝑸
+𝟒𝑸
𝟑𝑹
To determine 𝛼 we can write the
total charge of the insulating sphere
2𝑄 = න 𝑑𝑞 = න 𝜌𝑑𝑉
𝑉 =
4
3
𝜋𝑟3
𝑑𝑉 = 4𝜋𝑟2𝑑𝑟
2𝑄 = න
𝑟=0
𝑟=𝑅
𝛼𝑟4𝜋𝑟2𝑑𝑟
24. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a solid insulating sphere of radius a has a non
uniform charge density 𝜌 = −𝐴𝑟 where A is a positive
constant and r is the radial distance from the origin
concentric with the sphere, a neutral conducting spherical
shell with the inner and outer radii are of b and c is located
a) Find the magnitude of the electric field in the regions
b) Determine the induced charge densities on the inner
and outer surfaces of the conductive shell.
𝑎
𝑏
𝑐
𝑑𝐴
𝐸1
𝒓
𝑟 < 𝑎; 𝐸1 ∕∕ 𝑑𝐴 ර 𝐸1𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠1800
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝑞𝑖𝑛= 𝜌𝑑𝑉 = 𝑟=0
𝑟=𝑟
−𝐴𝑟4𝜋𝑟2
𝑑𝑟 = −4𝜋𝐴 න
𝑟=0
𝑟=𝑟
𝑟3
𝑑𝑟 = −𝜋𝐴𝑟4
𝐸1 ර 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸14𝜋𝑟2
=
−𝜋𝐴𝑟4
𝜀0
𝐸1 = −
𝐴𝑟2
4𝜀0
𝐸1 = −
𝐴𝑟2
4𝜀0
Ƹ
𝑟
27. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a right circular cone of radius R and height h is placed
with its axis parallel to a uniform electric field E. The direction of
the electric field lines is in the –y direction. Determine the
electric flux entering the curved surface of the cone.
𝑅
𝑬
Since there is no charge inside closed surface of the cone electric flux
must be zero! 𝛷𝐸 = 𝛷𝐸,𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 + 𝛷𝐸,𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 0
𝛷𝐸,𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = −𝛷𝐸,𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒
𝛷𝐸,𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = න 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠00
= 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸𝜋𝑟2
𝑑𝐴
𝐸
𝛷𝐸,𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = 𝐸𝜋𝑟2
𝛷𝐸,𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = −𝐸𝜋𝑟2
28. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a point charge of +2Q is located at the center of a spherical
insulating shell whose the inner and outer radii are R and 2R. The
shell carries a +Q charge and has a uniform charge density 𝜌. Find
the electric field in all regions. What if the shell is conducting? +2𝑄
+𝑄
𝑅
2𝑅
𝑅 < 𝑟 < 2𝑅; 𝐸1 ∕∕ 𝑑𝐴
𝑑𝐴
𝐸1
𝒓
ර 𝐸1𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝑞𝑖𝑛= 𝑞𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 + 𝑞𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒
+2𝑄
Homogeneous charge distribution, between r and R
𝑟 < 𝑅; 𝑬𝟎 = 𝟐𝒌𝒆𝑸/𝒓𝟐
𝑉 =
4
3
𝜋𝑟3
=
4
3
𝜋 2𝑅 3
− 𝑅 3
=
4𝜋
3
7𝑅3
Total Q is distributed over the V
For 𝑅 < 𝑟 < 2𝑅;
𝑉 =
4
3
𝜋 𝑟 3 − 𝑅 3 =
4𝜋
3
(𝑟3 − 𝑅3) 𝑞𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒= 𝑄
4𝜋
3
(𝑟3 − 𝑅3)
4𝜋
3
(7𝑅3)
= 𝑄
(𝑟3
− 𝑅3
)
(7𝑅3)
ර 𝐸1𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
1
𝜀0
2𝑄 + 𝑄
𝑟3
− 𝑅3
7𝑅3
𝐸14𝜋𝜀0𝑟2
= 2𝑄 + 𝑄
(𝑟3 − 𝑅3)
(7𝑅3)
𝐸1 =
14𝑄𝑅3 + 𝑄(𝑟3 − 𝑅3)
(7𝑅3)4𝜋𝜀0𝑟2 = 𝑘𝑒
13𝑄𝑅3 + 𝑄𝑟3
7𝑅3𝑟2
29. GAUSS’S LAW
𝑬𝟏 =
𝒌𝒆𝑸
𝟕
𝟏𝟑
𝒓𝟐 +
𝒓
𝑹𝟑
+2𝑄
+𝑄
𝑅
2𝑅
For 𝑟 > 2𝑅;
𝑞𝑖𝑛= 2𝑄 + 𝑄
𝒓
𝑑𝐴
𝐸2
ර 𝐸2𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
3𝑄
𝜀0
= 4𝜋𝑟2
𝑬𝟐 =
𝟑𝒌𝒆𝑸
𝒓𝟐
If the shell is conducting 𝑬𝟏 = 𝟎 because q inside the conductor is zero.
𝑬𝟐 remains same because total charge is constant!
+2𝑄
−𝟐𝑸
+𝟑𝑸
30. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: a long straight wire with linear charge
density of 𝜆 is located in the xy plane that makes a
450
with the x axis as shown. The charge is
distributed along the wire uniformly.
a) Find the electric field vector at the point
P(0,2d) by using Gauss’s law
b) Find the electric force vector acting on a charge
of –Q which is located at point P.
0 𝑥
𝑦
𝑷 𝟎, 𝟐𝒅 ∗
+𝝀
450
We should find a GS which P point must coincide
on the GS. Cylindrical Gaussian surface fits well
𝒉
𝒓
Every point on the lateral surface of the Gaussian surface
including P point must have the same electric field magnitude.
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
= න
𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡
.
… + න
𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡
.
… + න
𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙
.
… 𝑑𝐴1
𝐸1
𝑑𝐴2
𝐸2
𝑑𝐴3
𝐸3
න 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
න 𝐸𝑃𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
=
𝜆ℎ
𝜀0
𝐸𝑃 න 𝑑𝐴 =
𝜆ℎ
𝜀0
𝑷 𝟎, 𝟐𝒅
∗
𝑬𝑷
2𝑑
𝑟
450
450
𝐸𝑃2𝜋𝑟ℎ =
𝜆ℎ
𝜀0
32. 𝑹
𝒓
𝒉
GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: an infinitely long insulating cylinder of radius R has a volume charge
density that varies with the radius 𝜌 = 𝜌0 𝑎 −
𝑟
𝑏
where all are positive
constants and r is the distance from the axis of the cylinder. Use Gauss’s law
to determine the magnitude of the electric field at radial distances
a) r<R
b) r>R
𝑑𝐴1
𝐸1
𝑑𝐴2
𝐸2
𝐸3
𝑑𝐴3
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟2
ℎ
𝒅𝑽 = 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝒅𝒓𝒉 = 𝒅𝑨𝒅𝒓
𝛷𝐸 = ර 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
න 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 = න 𝐸𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00 =
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝐸 න 𝑑𝐴 =
𝜌𝑑𝑉
𝜀0
𝐸2𝜋𝑟ℎ =
𝜌0 𝑎 −
𝑟
𝑏
(2𝜋𝑟ℎ 𝑑𝑟)
𝜀0
=
2𝜋ℎ𝜌0 0
𝑟
𝑎 −
𝑟
𝑏
𝑟𝑑𝑟
𝜀0
𝐸 =
2𝜋ℎ𝜌0 0
𝑟
𝑎 −
𝑟
𝑏
𝑟𝑑𝑟
2𝜋𝑟ℎ𝜀0
=
𝜌0 0
𝑟
𝑎 −
𝑟
𝑏
𝑟𝑑𝑟
𝑟𝜀0
=
𝜌0
𝑎𝑟2
2
−
𝑟3
3𝑏
𝑟𝜀0
=
𝜌0𝑟
𝜀0
𝑎
2
−
𝑟
3𝑏
For 𝑟 < 𝑅;
34. GAUSS’S LAW
Exercise: an infinitely long straight wire with
the uniform linear charge density 𝜆 is lying at
the center of the cylindrical long insulating
shell with radius R. The cylindrical shell carries
uniform surface charge density +𝜎.
a) Find the electric field in the region r>R
where r is the radial distance from the
linear charge distribution
b) A point charge of q and mass of m is
released at r=R/2. find the acceleration of
the point charge when it is released.
+𝜎
+𝜆
𝑹
For 𝑟 > 𝑅; 𝛷𝐸 = ׯ 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 = 𝑞𝑖𝑛/𝜀0
𝒓
𝒍
𝑑𝐴1
𝐸1
𝑑𝐴2
𝐸2
𝐸3
𝑑𝐴3
න 𝐸3 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴3 = න 𝐸𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠00
=
𝑞𝑖𝑛
𝜀0
𝐸2𝜋𝑟𝑙 =
𝜆𝑑𝑙 + 𝜎𝑑𝐴
𝜀0
𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑅𝑙
𝐸 =
𝜆𝑙 + 𝜎2𝜋𝑅𝑙
2𝜋𝑟𝑙𝜀0
=
𝜆 + 𝜎2𝜋𝑅
2𝜋𝑟𝜀0
𝑞𝑖𝑛= 𝑞𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 + 𝑞𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛.𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙
𝑞𝑖𝑛= 𝜆𝑙 + 𝜎2𝜋𝑅𝑙
𝐸 =
1
𝑟
𝜆
2𝜋𝜀0
+
𝜎𝑅
𝜀0
Since point charge is located at r=R/2 we should find the E field at r=R/2