Using Gauss's Law to determine an electric field

In summary, the conversation is about a question regarding Gauss's law in electrostatics. The question asks for the equation and how to solve for a specific problem. The person asking for help has found an equation and is wondering if it is correct and how to use it to solve the problem. They are directed to a website to study the basics of using Gauss's law and to come back for further help.
  • #1
loba333
36
0

Homework Statement


Gauss.jpg



Homework Equations



[tex]{\phi} = \int E dA = \frac{QL}{\epsilon_0}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm aware of the definition of Gauss's law of electrostatics (however evidently I'm not very good at applying it), but I can't seem to fully answer the rest of the question.

An example in my book states the equation above and I've managed to simplify it to this state:

[tex]E = \frac{Q}{2\pi r \epsilon_0}[/tex]

But I was wondering if this is the right route to go down, and if this is a correct equation, how I could use it to solve this problem.

Thanks in advance for any help, will be checking back sporadically.
 
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  • #2
Looks good. You found the answer to (ii) in part (b). Do you know what the answer to (i) is?
 
  • #3
answer to (i) (a) was given in your book or you know how to derive it?
 
  • #4
Not quite sure how to derive it and I didn't even know I'd done the answer to part (ii) :X
 
  • #5
Ok .. so you need to study applications of guass law

go here: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/gaulaw.html"

just study basics of usage of guass law ... and yes also please your questions's derivation too.
and come back on this forum when you have understood it ...
we'll help you find answer to rest of questions.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: Using Gauss's Law to determine an electric field

What is Gauss's Law?

Gauss's Law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism that relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the net electric charge enclosed by that surface. It is a mathematical representation of the relationship between electric charges and the electric field they produce.

How is Gauss's Law used to determine an electric field?

Gauss's Law allows us to calculate the electric field at a point by using the charge distribution surrounding that point. By choosing a closed surface that encloses the point of interest, we can calculate the electric flux through that surface and use Gauss's Law to equate it to the net charge enclosed by the surface. This allows us to solve for the electric field at the point.

What is a closed surface in Gauss's Law?

A closed surface is a hypothetical surface that completely encloses a given region in space. It can be any shape, as long as it is closed and does not intersect itself. In the context of Gauss's Law, the closed surface is used to calculate the electric flux through it, which is then related to the enclosed net charge.

Can Gauss's Law be used for any charge distribution?

Yes, Gauss's Law can be used for any charge distribution, as long as the distribution is spherically symmetric. This means that the charge is evenly distributed around a central point, and the magnitude of the charge does not depend on the direction from the central point. If the charge distribution is not spherically symmetric, Gauss's Law can still be used, but the calculation becomes more complex.

What are the limitations of using Gauss's Law to determine an electric field?

Gauss's Law is limited to situations where the electric field is constant and symmetrical. It is also limited to calculating the electric field at points outside of the charge distribution. For more complex situations, other methods such as Coulomb's Law or the superposition principle may be necessary.

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