Electric Flux & Gauss’s Law Explained | Chapter 22 of University Physics
Electric Flux & Gauss’s Law Explained | Chapter 22 of University Physics Electric flux and Gauss’s Law provide a powerful framework for calculating electric fields in systems exhibiting symmetry. In this chapter summary, we explore how flux through a surface relates to enclosed charge, apply Gauss’s Law to key geometries, and examine electrostatic behavior in conductors. Watch the full video summary here to see step-by-step derivations and visualizations of Gaussian surfaces. Electric Flux Electric flux ( Φ E ) measures the “flow” of electric field through a surface. For a flat surface of area A in a uniform field: Φ E = E · A · cos(φ) or Φ E = E ⋅ A . In general, for a curved or nonuniform field, flux is: Φ E = ∮ E ⋅ dA , where positive flux indicates field lines exiting the surface and negative flux indicates entry. Gauss’s Law Gauss’s Law links electric flux through a closed surface to the net charge enclosed: ∮ E ⋅ dA = Q enclosed / ε 0 . This law is equ...