In a region where the electric field is uniform, what is the shape of the Gaussian surface that would yield the simplest calculation of electric flux?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a region where the electric field is uniform, what is the shape of the Gaussian surface that would yield the simplest calculation of electric flux?
Sphere
Cube
Cylinder
Plane
A plane is the simplest Gaussian surface for uniform electric fields, as it allows for straightforward calculation of flux.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: In a region where the electric field is uniform, what is the shape of the Gaussian surface that would yield the simplest calculation of electric flux?
Solution: A plane is the simplest Gaussian surface for uniform electric fields, as it allows for straightforward calculation of flux.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Understand what a Gaussian surface is. It is an imaginary closed surface used to apply Gauss's law.
Step 2: Know that electric flux is calculated through this surface based on the electric field.
Step 3: Recognize that in a uniform electric field, the field strength is the same everywhere.
Step 4: Identify that a flat plane (or a rectangle) is the simplest shape to use as a Gaussian surface in a uniform electric field.
Step 5: Understand that using a plane makes it easy to calculate the area and the angle between the electric field and the surface.
Step 6: Conclude that a plane allows for straightforward calculations of electric flux because the electric field is constant across the surface.
