Electric Flux Through a Square: Exploring Distance Effects

[jordanjj]

Homework Statement

In the figure, a point charge -3.2μ C is a distance d/2 directly above the center of a square of side d = 0.34 cm . What is the magnitude of the electric flux through the square? (Hint: Think of the square as on face of a cube with edge d.)
(in N*m^2/C)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Ok so I am not asking specifically for the solution, but when the charge is located a specific distance from a finite plane such as this, how does the distance from the square(d/2) play into the solution?

 

[quantize]

Well since Flux = E dot dA, you need to find the Electric field going through the side of the square. So the distance from the square is r in the equation for an electric field due to a point charge ( E = kq/(r^2) ).

 

[nlightner]

The distance from the square plays a crucial role in determining the magnitude of the electric flux through the square. The electric flux is a measure of the electric field passing through a given surface, and it is directly proportional to the strength of the electric field and the area of the surface. In this case, the distance from the square affects the strength of the electric field at the surface of the square. As the distance decreases, the electric field strength increases, resulting in a higher electric flux through the square. This is because the electric field lines are more concentrated and perpendicular to the surface of the square when the charge is closer to it. On the other hand, as the distance increases, the electric field strength decreases, resulting in a lower electric flux through the square. This is because the electric field lines become more spread out and less perpendicular to the surface of the square. Therefore, the distance from the square is a crucial factor in determining the magnitude of the electric flux through the square.