SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

GENERAL PHYSICS 2
Quarter 3 – Module 5:
Gauss’s Law

i
General Physics 2 – Senior High School
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 5: Gauss’s Law
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government
agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such
work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition
the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials
from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent
nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

WRITER: ENGR. JOHN EDWARD J. FELICIANO

EDITOR: JAY N. BELTRAN

REVIEWERS: JAY N. BELTRAN

ARGIE B. GALICIA
RONA E. AGUILA
ADDIE E. AZURIN
MARIA CHARLENE D. DIPAD
WELIMEN C. OSEO
MICHELLE H. GUADAMOR

LAYOUT ARTIST: KEVIN H. OJOS

ROMAN B. JEBULAN
SEVERINO R. CANTUBA JR.
JERIEL G. MARTIREZ
DAVE B. FORTES

i
 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

GENERAL PHYSICS 2
Quarter 3 – Module 5:
Gauss’s Law

ii
 Most Essential Learning Competency

Use Gauss’s law to infer electric field due to

uniformly distributed charges on long wires,
spheres, and large plates

STEM_GP12EMIIIb-13

1
 Gauss’s Law

Introduction

In the previous modules, you learned about

Electric Flux, its derivation, and its principles.
In this module, we will describe a general
relationship between the net electric flux through a
closed surface (often called a Gaussian surface) and the
charge enclosed by the surface. This relationship, known
as Gauss’s law, is of fundamental importance in the
study of electric fields.

Most Essential Learning

Competency & Objectives

In this module, you will learn to use Gauss’s law to infer electric field due to
uniformly distributed charges on long wires, spheres, and large plates
(STEM_GP12EMIIIb-13).

Specifically, you should be able to:

1. Derive Gauss’s Law.
2. Identify the appropriate Gaussian surface to a given charge distribution
symmetries (spherical, cylindrical, and planar).
3. Apply Gauss’s law to determine the electric field of a system involving
distribution system.

2
 Pre-Test

Before we start our lesson, try to answer these

ten (10) questions below.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the
correct answer.
1) What is the value of the electric flux through a spherical Gaussian
surface of radius 𝐚 = 𝟏 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 surrounding a charge of 𝟖. 𝟖𝟓 𝐩𝐂?
a. 1.0 x 10−16 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 1.0 x 10−8 N ∙ m2 /C
c. 1.0 x 10−4 N ∙ m2 /C
d. 1 N ∙ m2 /C

2) What is the magnitude of the electric field at a distance 𝐫 = 𝟏𝟎 𝐜𝐦 from the

center of a non conducting sphere of radius 𝐑 = 𝟏 𝐜𝐦 which has an extra
positive charge equal to 𝟕 𝐂 uniformly distributed within the volume of the
sphere?
a. 6.3 x 1012 N/C
b. 7.5 x 10−6 N/C
c. 1.2 x 100 N/C
d. 9.1 x 10−3 N/C

3) A positive charge is placed inside a spherical metallic shell with inner radius 𝒓
and outer radius 𝐑. The charge is placed at shifted position relative to the center
of the shell. Which of the following describes the charge distribution induced at
the shell surfaces.
a. A negative charge with uniform surface density will be induced on the
inner surface, a positive charge will be induced on the outer surface.
b. A negative charge with non-uniform surface density will be induced on
the inner surface, a positive charge will be induced on the outer surface.
c. A positive charge with uniform surface density will be induced on the
inner surface, a negative charge will be induced on the outer surface.
d. A positive charge with non-uniform surface density will be induced on
the inner surface, a negative charge will be induced at the outer surface.

4) For Gauss’s law to be valid, the Gaussian surface used must be a

a. highly symmetrical surface
b. spherical surface
c. cylindrical surface
d. open surface

3
5) Which of the following statements are true about a Gaussian surface in order for
Gauss’s law to be convenient for calculating the electric field at a point on the
surface?
i. The electric field direction should be easy to predict at every point on the
surface.
ii. The Gaussian surface must be chosen to take advantage of the
symmetry of the charge distribution.
iii. The Gaussian surface must be chosen to take advantage of the
symmetry of the object enclosed inside it regardless of how the charges
are distributed on that object.
a. i only
b. ii only
c. iii only
d. i and ii only

6) Shown in the figure are three concentric spherical

Gaussian surfaces A, B, and C with a positive point
charge +𝐐 at their center. A second, but negative
point charge −𝐐 is enclosed only by surface C.
Which is a correct statement about the magnitudes
of the electric flux ΦS through the three surfaces?
a. ΦA = ΦB = ΦC
b. ΦA = ΦB > ΦC
c. ΦA > ΦB > ΦC
d. ΦB > ΦA > ΦC

7) An uncharged, nonconducting, hollow sphere of radius 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 surrounds a

𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐧𝐂 charge located at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. What is
the magnitude of the electric flux through the surface of the sphere?
a. 1.11 x 105 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 1.13 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
c. 1.11 x 10−5 N ∙ m2 /C
d. 1.13 x 10−3 N ∙ m2 /C

8) What is the net electric flux through the spherical closed surface shown in the
figure? The two charges on the right are inside the spherical surface?

a. 225.8 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 255.8 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
c. −225.8 N ∙ m2 /C
d. −255.8 N ∙ m2 /C

4
9) The charge per unit length on a long, straight filament is −𝟗𝟎. 𝟎 𝐩𝐂/𝐦. What is
the magnitude of the electric field 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 from the filament, where distances
are measured perpendicular to the length of the filament?
a. 16 x 100 N/C
b. −16 x 100 N/C
c. 16 x 103 N/C
d. −16 x 103 N/C

10) What is the electric field due to an infinite plane of positive charge with uniform
surface charge density 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐜𝐦𝟐 .
a. 6.78 x 104 N/C
b. 6.78 x 106 N/C
c. −6.78 x 104 N/C
d. 6.78 x 10−6 N/C

How did you find the test? It’s okay if

you’re not yet sure with your answers. As you
go on with this module, you will learn and find
out if you’re answers are correct. So, buckle up
and get ready with your journey.

5
 Learning Activities

E licit/ Engage
Before we proceed to our discussion,
let’s have a review on our previous discussion
on Electric Flux.

Electric flux is proportional to the number of electric field lines that penetrate a
surface. If the electric field is uniform and makes an angle 𝜽 with the normal to a
surface of area 𝑨, the electric flux through the surface is

𝚽𝑬 = 𝑬𝑨 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

In general, the electric flux through a surface is

⃗ ∙ 𝒅𝐀
𝚽𝑬 = ∫ 𝐄 ⃗

Let’s have some practice exercises!

Calculate the electric flux:

1. An electric field of 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐍/𝐂 makes an angle of 𝟑𝟎. 𝟎𝟎° with the surface
vector. It has a magnitude of 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝟐 . Find the electric flux that passes
through the surface.
2. A vertical electric field of magnitude 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟒 𝐍/𝐂 exists above the
Earth’s surface on a day when a thunderstorm is brewing. A car with a
rectangular size of 𝟔. 𝟎𝟎 𝐦 by 𝟑. 𝟎𝟎 𝐦 is traveling along a dry gravel
roadway sloping downward at 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎°. Determine the electric flux through the
bottom of the car.

6
 3. Consider a closed triangular box resting within a horizontal electric field of
magnitude 𝐄 = 𝟕. 𝟖𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟒 𝐍/𝐂 as shown in the figure. Calculate the
electric flux through
(a) the vertical
rectangular surface,
(b) the slanted
surface, and (c) the
entire surface of the
box.

E xplore
What do you think will be the electric
flux inside a closed surface? Let’s understand
it by doing this activity.

Activity 1: Flux in a Closed Surface

A. Consider a positive point charge 𝒒 located at the center of a sphere of radius 𝒓
as shown in the figure.
Fill in the table:

Electric field of the

point charge at the
surface (𝐄)

Surface area of the

Sphere (𝑑𝐀)

Total electric flux

through the surface
of the sphere (Φ𝐸)

Guide questions:
1. Is the electric flux of the given charge through the surface of the sphere related
to the charge’s electric field? The surface area of the sphere? Why?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

7
 2. If we double the magnitude of the charge inside the sphere, what will happen to
the electric flux through the surface of the sphere? Explain.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Gaussian Surfaces

Instruction: Draw the electric field distribution of the following charges under the
second column and determine which of the given Gaussian surfaces will enclose and
contain the electric fields.

Gaussian Surface
Pattern of the Electric to be used
Charges Distribution
Field Distribution (Box, Cylinder, or
Sphere)

Point Charge

Line Charge

Plane Charge

Guide questions:
1. How will you describe the pattern of the electric field distribution of the given
charge distributions?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8
 2. What are the factors which you considered in choosing an appropriate
Gaussian surface on the given charge distribution?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. Using the assigned Gaussian surfaces, can we solve for the magnitude of the
electric field of the following charges? How?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Solving Electric Field using Gauss’s Law

Let’s consider the given charge distributions in the first column, calculate the
magnitude of the electric field using Gauss’s Law. The first question is solved to be
your guide.

Problem Solution Answer

1. What is the magnitude of
the electric field of a point Given:
charge of magnitude - 𝟏. 𝟓 𝐩𝐂 point charge
𝟏. 𝟓 𝐩𝐂 at a distance - 𝟏. 𝟓 𝐦 distance from the
𝟏. 𝟓 𝐦 from the charge? charge
Required:
- Magnitude of the electric The magnitude of
field the electric field
Formula: is
𝒒 𝟔. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝐍/𝐂.
𝑬=
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐
Solution:
𝑬
1.5 × 10−12
=
4(3.14)(8.85 × 10−12 )(1.5)2
𝑬 = 6.0 × 10−3 N/C

2. A particle with charge of

𝟐𝟓. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂 is placed at the
center of a spherical shell
of radius 𝟐. 𝟓 𝐦. What is
the magnitude of the
electric field through the
surface of the shell?
3. A uniformly charged,
infinite straight filament
has a line charge

9
 distribution of 𝟑. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂/
𝐦. An uncharged
cardboard cylinder
𝟏𝟓. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 in radius
surrounds the filament at
its center, with the
filament as the axis of the
cylinder. Using
reasonable
approximations, what is
the magnitude of the
electric field at the
surface of the cylinder?
4. What is the magnitude of
the electric field on the
positive plate of the
capacitor with surface
charge density of 𝟏. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/
𝐦𝟐 .

How’s the activity? Its OK if you didn’t

answer all correctly. Now let’s understand
Gauss’s Law.

E xplain/ Elaborate
The equation of the electric flux in Activity 1 shows that the net flux through the
spherical surface is proportional to the charge inside the surface. The flux is
independent of the radius 𝒓 because the area of the spherical surface is proportional
𝟏
to 𝒓𝟐 , whereas the electric field is proportional to . Therefore, in the product of area
𝒓𝟐
and electric field, the dependence on 𝒓 cancels.

Now consider several closed surfaces

surrounding a charge 𝒒 as shown in the figure on the
right, Surface 𝑺𝟏 is spherical, but surfaces 𝑺𝟐 and 𝑺𝟑 are
not. From Activity 1, the flux that passes through 𝑺𝟏 has
the value 𝒒/𝜺𝟎 . As discussed in the preceding section,
flux is proportional to the number of electric field lines

10
passing through a surface. The construction shown in the figure shows that the number
of lines through 𝑺𝟏 is equal to the number of lines through the nonspherical surfaces
𝑺𝟐 and 𝑺𝟑 . Therefore,

Now consider a point charge located outside a

closed surface of arbitrary shape as shown in the figure.
As can be seen from this construction, any electric field
line entering the surface leaves the surface at another
point. The number of electric field lines entering the
surface equals the number leaving the surface. Therefore,
the net electric flux through a closed surface that
surrounds no charge is zero. We see that the net flux
through the cube is zero because there is no charge inside
the cube.

Let’s extend these arguments to two generalized

cases: (1) that of many point charges and (2) that of a
continuous distribution of charge. We once again use the
superposition principle, which states that the electric field
due to many charges is the vector sum of the electric fields produced by the individual
charges. Therefore, the flux through any closed surface can be expressed as

where 𝐄 ⃗ is the total electric field

at any point on the surface produced by the vector addition of the electric fields at that
point due to the individual charges.

Consider the system of charges shown in the

figure. The surface 𝑺 surrounds only one charge,
𝒒𝟏 ; hence, the net flux through 𝑺 is 𝒒𝟏 /𝜺𝟎. The flux
through 𝑺 due to charges 𝒒𝟐 , 𝒒𝟑 , and 𝒒𝟒 outside it is
zero because each electric field line from these
charges that enters 𝑺 at one point leaves it at
another. The surface 𝑺’ surrounds charges 𝒒𝟐 and
𝒒𝟑 ; hence, the net flux through it is (𝒒𝟐 + 𝒒𝟑 )/𝜺𝟎 .
Finally, the net flux through surface 𝑺” is zero
because there is no charge inside this surface. That
is, all the electric field lines that enter 𝑺” at one-point
leave at another. Charge 𝒒𝟒 does not contribute to
the net flux through any of the surfaces.

11
 The mathematical form of Gauss’s law is a generalization of what we have just
described and states that the net flux through any closed surface is

where 𝐄 ⃗ represents the electric field at any point on the surface and 𝒒𝒊𝒏 represents the
net charge inside the surface. When using the equation, you should note that although
the charge 𝒒𝒊𝒏 is the net charge inside the gaussian surface, 𝐄 ⃗ represents the total
electric field, which includes contributions from charges both inside and outside the
surface. In principle, Gauss’s law can be solved for 𝐄 ⃗ to determine the electric field
due to a system of charges or a continuous distribution of charge. In practice, however,
this type of solution is applicable only in a limited number of highly symmetric
situations.

Now, we will use Gauss’s law to evaluate the electric field for charge
distributions that have spherical, cylindrical, or planar symmetry. If one chooses the
Gaussian surface surrounding the charge distribution carefully, the integral in the
equation can be simplified and the electric field determined.

The following examples demonstrate ways of choosing the gaussian surface

over which the surface integral given by the equation can be simplified and the electric
field determined. In choosing the surface, always take advantage of the symmetry of
the charge distribution so that 𝑬 can be removed from the integral. The goal in this
type of calculation is to determine a surface for which each portion of the surface
satisfies one or more of the following conditions:

1. The value of the electric field can be argued by symmetry to be constant

over the portion of the surface.
2. The dot product in the equation can be expressed as a simple algebraic
product 𝑬𝒅𝑨 because 𝐄 ⃗ and 𝒅𝐀⃗ are parallel.
3. The dot product in the equation is zero because 𝐄 ⃗ and 𝒅𝐀⃗ are perpendicular.
4. The electric field is zero over the portion of the surface.

Different portions of the Gaussian surface can satisfy different conditions as long
as every portion satisfies at least one condition. All four conditions are used in
examples throughout the module. If the charge distribution does not have sufficient
symmetry such that a Gaussian surface that satisfies these conditions can be found,
Gauss’s law is still true, but is not useful for determining the electric field for that charge
distribution.

12
 Spherical Gaussian Surface

Consider the point charge 𝒒. Because the charge is distributed

uniformly throughout the sphere, the charge distribution has
spherical symmetry and we can apply Gauss’s law to find the
electric field.

We all know that the magnitude of its electric field is given by

the equation
𝒒
𝑬= .
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐
Now, using Gauss’s Law

Where 𝐄 ⃗ is radially distributed throughout the surface of the sphere, which is

considered constant, 𝒅𝐀 ⃗ , the total surface area of the sphere with radius 𝒓, and 𝒒𝒊𝒏 ,
the total charge enclosed by the Gaussian Surface. Mathematically speaking,

This equation is also applicable in solving the electric field of hollow and solid
sphere with total charge 𝑸.

A. Cylindrical Gaussian Surface

Find the electric field a distance 𝒓 from a line of
positive charge of infinite length and constant
charge per unit length 𝝀.

Solution:
The line of charge is infinitely long.
Therefore, the field is the same at all points
equidistant from the line, regardless of the vertical
position of the point in the figure. We expect the
field to become weaker as we move farther away
from the line of charge.

Because the charge is distributed uniformly along the line, the charge
distribution has cylindrical symmetry and we can apply Gauss’s law to find the electric
field.

13
Now, using Gauss’s Law

⃗ is uniformly distributed throughout the lateral surface of the cylinder, which is

where 𝐄
considered constant, 𝒅𝐀 ⃗ , the total lateral area of the cylinder with radius 𝒓 and length
𝓵, and 𝝀, the constant charge per unit length enclosed by the Gaussian Surface with
unit Coulomb per meter. Mathematically speaking,

B. A Plane of Charge
• Find the electric field due to an infinite plane of positive charge with uniform
surface charge density 𝝈.

Solution:
Notice that the plane of charge is infinitely large. Therefore, the electric field
should be the same at all points equidistant from the plane.

Because the charge is distributed uniformly on the plane, the charge distribution
is symmetric; hence, we can use Gauss’s law to find the electric field.

⃗ must be perpendicular to the plane at all points. The direction

By symmetry, 𝐄
⃗ is away from positive charges, indicating that the direction of 𝐄
of 𝐄 ⃗ on one side of the
plane must be opposite its direction on the other side as shown in the figure. A
Gaussian surface that reflects the symmetry is a small cylinder or a box whose axis is
perpendicular to the plane and whose ends each have an area 𝑨 and are equidistant
from the plane. Because 𝐄 ⃗ is parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder—and
therefore perpendicular to 𝒅𝑨 ⃗⃗ at all points on this surface—condition (3) is satisfied
and there is no contribution to the surface integral from this surface. For the flat ends

14
of the cylinder, conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied. The flux through each end of the
cylinder is 𝑬𝑨; hence, the total flux through the entire gaussian surface is just that
through the ends, 𝚽𝑬 = 𝟐𝑬𝑨.

To solve for the electric field,

Note: Gaussian Surfaces Are Not Real

A gaussian surface is an imaginary surface you construct to satisfy the
conditions listed here. It does not have to coincide with a physical surface in
the situation.

E xtend
Now, let’s try to solve some examples using Gauss’s Law.

Example #1:
The following charges are located inside a submarine: 𝟓. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂,
−𝟗. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂, 𝟐𝟕. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂, and −𝟖𝟒. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂. (a) Calculate the net
electric flux through the hull of the submarine. (b) Is the number
of electric field lines leaving the submarine greater than, equal to,
or less than the number entering it?
Solution:
Given:
Charges inside a submarine (𝟓. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂, −𝟗. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂, 𝟐𝟕. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂, and −𝟖𝟒. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂.)
Required:
a. The net electric flux through the hull of the submarine.
b. the number of electric field lines leaving the submarine (whether leaving,
entering or zero)
For a:
Analysis:
Because the charges are inside the submarine, we can assume that all charges
were enclosed by a closed surface. In order to calculate the net electric flux, we
will use Gauss’s Law.

15
 For our 𝒒𝐢𝐧 , we will add all the charges enclosed by the submarine, in equation,

𝒒𝐢𝐧 = 5.00 μC − 9.00 μC + 27.00 μC − 84.00 μC = −𝟔𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂

Now to solve for the total net electric flux, we will used 𝒒𝐢𝐧 on our equation
𝒒 −61 × 10−6 C
𝚽𝐍𝐞𝐭 = ∫ 𝐄⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝐀⃗⃗ = 𝐢𝐧 = = −𝟔. 𝟖𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐 /𝐂
𝜺𝟎 8.85 × 10−12 C 2 /N ∙ m2
So, our total net electric flux of the charges inside a submarine is
−𝟔. 𝟖𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐 /𝐂.
For b:
Because the sign of the computed 𝒒𝐢𝐧 and 𝚽𝐍𝐞𝐭 is negative, then the number
⃗ entering the surface is greater that 𝐄
of the 𝐄 ⃗ that leaves the surface.

Example #2:
A particle with charge of 𝟏𝟐. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂 is placed at the center of a spherical shell of
radius 𝟐𝟐. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦. What is the magnitude of the electric field through the surface
of the shell?
Solution:
Given:
a particle with charge of 𝟏𝟐. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂; a spherical shell with radius 𝟐𝟐. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦
Required:
magnitude of the electric field through the surface of the shell
Analysis:
The particle is inside the spherical shell. Let’s assume that the shell is a
Gaussian surface for us to solve for the electric field. We will assume that the
particle distributes its electric field radially. In that case we can solve it using
the formula

Where 𝒒𝐢𝐧 is the charge of the particle, and 𝒓, the radius of the spherical shell
in meters.

16
 Let’s calculate:
12.0 × 10−6 C
𝑬= 2 = 𝟐. 𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐍/𝐂
C2 1m
4(3.1416) (8.85 × 10−12 N ∙ m2 ) (22.0 cm × 100 cm)

Therefore, the magnitude of the electric field through the surface of the shell is
equal to 𝟐. 𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝐍/𝐂.

Example #3:
A uniformly charged, infinite straight filament has a line charge distribution of
𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦. An uncharged cardboard cylinder 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐦 in length and 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦
in radius surrounds the filament at its center, with the filament as the axis of the
cylinder. Using reasonable approximations, find (a) the electric field at the
surface of the cylinder and (b) the total electric flux through the cylinder.
Solution:
Given:
a. infinite straight filament with line charge distribution of 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦;
b. uncharged cardboard cylinder 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝐜𝐦 in length and 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 in radius
Required:
a. the electric field at the surface of the cylinder
b. the total electric flux through the cylinder.
For a:
We assume the cardboard cylinder as a Gaussian surface to the
filament. To calculate its electric field, we will use

Where 𝝀 is the line charge distribution of the filament in 𝐂/𝐦, and 𝒓, the radius
of the cylinder in meters.
Let’s calculate:
2.0 × 10−6 C/m
𝑬= 2 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍/𝐂
C 1 m
2(3.1416) (8.85 × 10−12 N ∙ m2 ) (10.0 cm × 100 cm)

Therefore, the electric field of the filament to the surface of the cylinder
is 𝟑𝟔𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍/𝐂.

17
For b:
We can solve the electric flux in two ways:
First solution:
Using the value of 𝑬 from part a, we can solve now the electric flux
through the surface of the cylinder using the formula

Because 𝑬 is constant throughout the surface of the cylinder, and ∫ 𝑑𝐀 ⃗

will be the lateral surface area of the cylinder (note that the field will only pass
through the lateral surface, not included the two circles on the top and bottom),
we will assume it as constant. So

⃗ ∫ 𝑑𝐀
𝚽𝐍𝐞𝐭 = 𝐄 ⃗ = 𝑬(𝟐𝝅𝒓𝓵)

N 1m 1m
= (360 × 103 ) [(2)(3.1416) (10.0 cm × ) (2.00 cm × )]
C 100 cm 100 cm
= 𝟒. 𝟓𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐 /𝐂
Therefore, the total electric flux through the surface of the cardboard
cylinder is 𝟒. 𝟓𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐 /𝐂.
Second Solution:
We will use the principle of Gauss’s Law with the equation:

−6 1m
𝝀𝓵 (2.0 × 10 C/m) (2.00 cm × 100 cm)
𝚽𝐍𝐞𝐭 = = = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍 ∙ 𝐦𝟐 /𝐂
𝜺𝟎 −12 C2 2
8.85 × 10 N ∙m
The answer is the same.

Example #4:
Calculate the electric field on the positive plate of the capacitor with surface
charge density of 𝟐. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦𝟐 .
Solution:
Given:
surface charge density of the positive plate of the capacitor, 𝟐. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦𝟐 .
Required:
the electric field on the positive plate of the capacitor

18
 Analysis:
We see that the positive plate of a capacitor is a plane. This time we will solve
this using the formula

Where 𝝈 is the surface charge density of the plate, in 𝐂/𝐦𝟐 .

Let’s Calculate:
𝝈 2.0 × 10−6 C/m2
𝑬= = = 𝟏𝟏𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍/𝐂
𝟐𝜺𝟎 −12 C2 2
2(8.85 × 10 N ∙m )
Therefore, the total electric field of the positive plate of the capacitor is equal to
𝟏𝟏𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐍/𝐂.

19
 Vocabulary List

You may refer to the following vocabulary words used in this module:

Box Gaussian surface – a type of Gaussian surface used to enclosed and calculate
the electric field of an infinitely large plane charge.

Cylindrical Gaussian surface – a type of Gaussian surface used to enclosed and

calculate the electric field of an infinitely long line charge. It is also used to
calculate the electric field of an infinitely large plane charge

Cylindrical Symmetry - system only varies with distance from the axis, not direction.

Gauss’s Law - the net electric flux through any closed Gaussian surface is equal to
the net charge qin inside the surface divided by 𝜺𝟎 .

Gaussian surface – an imaginary surface that encloses a charge with symmetrical

distribution of electric field and is use to calculate the electric field that passes
through.

Planar Symmetry - system only varies with distance from a plane.

Spherical Gaussian surface – a type of Gaussian surface used to enclosed and

calculate the electric field of a point charge, or a hollow or solid sphere with
charge 𝑸.

Spherical Symmetry - system only varies with the distance from the origin, not in
direction.

Symmetry - a balance arrangement of a distribution of the elements of a whole.

20
 Post-Test

E valuate
Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is the value of the electric flux through a spherical Gaussian surface of
radius 𝐚 = 𝟏 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 surrounding a charge of 𝟖. 𝟖𝟓 𝐩𝐂?
a. 1.0 x 10−16 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 1.0 x 10−8 N ∙ m2 /C
c. 1.0 x 10−4 N ∙ m2 /C
d. 1 N ∙ m2 /C

2. What is the magnitude of the electric field at a distance 𝐫 = 𝟏𝟎 𝐜𝐦 from the

center of a non conducting sphere of radius 𝐑 = 𝟏 𝐜𝐦 which has an extra
positive charge equal to 𝟕 𝐂 uniformly distributed within the volume of the
sphere?
a. 6.3 x 1012 N/C
b. 7.5 x 10−6 N/C
c. 1.2 x 100 N/C
d. 9.1 x 10−3 N/C

3. A positive charge is placed inside a spherical metallic shell with inner radius 𝒓
and outer radius 𝐑. The charge is placed at shifted position relative to the center
of the shell. Which of the following describes the charge distribution induced at
the shell surfaces?
a. A negative charge with uniform surface density will be induced on the
inner surface, a positive charge will be induced on the outer surface.
b. A negative charge with non-uniform surface density will be induced on
the inner surface, a positive charge will be induced on the outer surface.
c. A positive charge with uniform surface density will be induced on the inner
surface, a negative charge will be induced on the outer surface.
d. A positive charge with non-uniform surface density will be induced on the
inner surface, a negative charge will be induced at the outer surface.

4. For Gauss’s law to be valid, the Gaussian surface used must be a

a. highly symmetrical surface
b. spherical surface
c. cylindrical surface
d. open surface

21
5. Which of the following statements are true about a Gaussian surface in order for
Gauss’s law to be convenient for calculating the electric field at a point on the
surface?
i. The electric field direction should be easy to predict at every point on the
surface.
ii. The Gaussian surface must be chosen to take advantage of the symmetry
of the charge distribution.
iii. The Gaussian surface must be chosen to take advantage of the symmetry
of the object enclosed inside it regardless of how the charges are distributed
on that object.
a. i only
b. ii only
c. iii only
d. i and ii only

6. Shown in the figure are three concentric spherical

Gaussian surfaces A, B, and C with a positive point
charge +𝐐 at their center. A second, but negative
point charge −𝐐 is enclosed only by surface C.
Which is a correct statement about the magnitudes
of the electric flux ΦS through the three surfaces?
a. ΦA = ΦB = ΦC
b. ΦA = ΦB > ΦC
c. ΦA > ΦB > ΦC
d. ΦB > ΦA > ΦC

7. An uncharged, nonconducting, hollow sphere of radius 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 surrounds a

𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐧𝐂 charge located at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. What is
the magnitude of the electric flux through the surface of the sphere?
a. 1.11 x 105 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 1.13 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
c. 1.11 x 10−5 N ∙ m2 /C
d. 1.13 x 10−3 N ∙ m2 /C

8. What is the net electric flux through the spherical closed surface shown in the
figure? The two charges on the right are inside the spherical surface?

a. 225.8 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
b. 255.8 x 103 N ∙ m2 /C
c. −225.8 N ∙ m2 /C
d. −255.8 N ∙ m2 /C

22
9. The charge per unit length on a long, straight filament is −𝟗𝟎. 𝟎 𝐩𝐂/𝐦. What is
the magnitude of the electric field 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 from the filament, where distances
are measured perpendicular to the length of the filament?
a. 16 x 100 N/C
b. −16 x 100 N/C
c. 16 x 103 N/C
d. −16 x 103 N/C

10. What is the electric field due to an infinite plane of positive charge with uniform
surface charge density 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐜𝐦𝟐 .
a. 6.78 x 104 N/C
b. 6.78 x 106 N/C
c. −6.78 x 104 N/C
d. 6.78 x 10−6 N/C

23
 Answer Keys

Pre-Test Answer Keys

1. D
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. B
8. C
9. B

Learning Activities Answer Keys

Elicit:
1. 217.0 N/C
2. 355 × 103 N/C
3. 0 N/C

Explore:
Activity 1
Electric field of the
𝒒
point charge at the
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐
surface (𝐄 ⃗)
Surface area of the
𝟒𝝅𝒓𝟐
Sphere (𝑑𝐀 ⃗)
Total electric flux 𝒒
through the surface
𝜺𝟎
of the sphere (𝚽𝑬)

24
 Activity 2:
Gaussian
Pattern of the Electric Field Surface to be
Charges Distribution
Distibution used (Sphere/
Cylinder/ Box)

Point Charge

Sphere

Line Charge

Cylinder

Plane Charge

Box/Cylinder

Activity 3:
Problem Solution Answer
2. A particle with charge Given:
of 𝟐𝟓. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂 is placed - 𝟐𝟓. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂 charged particle
at the center of a - 𝟐. 𝟓 𝐦 radius of the spherical
spherical shell of
shell The
radius 𝟐. 𝟓 𝐦. What is
Required: magnitude
the magnitude of the
electric field through - Magnitude of the electric field of the
the surface of the Formula: electric field
shell? 𝒒 is
𝑬=
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐 𝟑𝟔. 𝟎 𝒌𝐍/𝐂.
Solution:
25.0 × 10−6
𝑬=
4(3.14)(8.85 × 10−12 )(2.5)2
𝑬 = 36.0 × 103 N/C
3. A uniformly charged, Given:
The
infinite straight
filament has a line magnitude

25
 charge distribution of of the
𝟑. 𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦. An - 𝟑. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦 line charge density of electric field
uncharged cardboard an infinite straight filament is
cylinder 𝟏𝟓. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 in - 𝟏𝟓. 𝟎 𝐜𝐦 radius of the 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝒌𝐍/𝐂.
radius surrounds the
cardboard cylinder
filament at its center,
with the filament as Required:
the axis of the - Magnitude of the electric field
cylinder. Using Formula:
reasonable 𝝀
approximations, what 𝑬=
𝟐𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓
is the magnitude of Solution:
the electric field at the
3.0 × 10−6
surface of the 𝑬=
cylinder? 1
2(3.14)(8.85 × 10−12 )(15 × 100)
𝑬 = 360 × 103 N/C
4. What is the Given:
magnitude of the - 𝟏. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦𝟐 charged density of
electric field on the the positive plate of the
positive plate of the
capacitor The
capacitor with surface
charge density of Required: magnitude
𝟏. 𝟎 𝛍𝐂/𝐦𝟐 . - Magnitude of the electric field of the
Formula: electric field
𝝈 is
𝑬=
𝟐𝜺𝟎 𝟓𝟔. 𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝐍/𝐂.
Solution:
1.0 × 10−6
𝑬=
2(8.85 × 10−12 )
𝑬 = 56.50 × 103 N/C

Post-Test Answer Keys

1. D
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. B
8. C
9. B
10. B

26
 References

Dubey, Naveen KR. 2014. SlideShare. February 10.

https://www.slideshare.net/NaveenDubey/electric-flux-and-gauss-
law?qid=3b169e52-0e6c-45b4-9c01-5f493b3e7715&v=&b=&from_search=1.
Serway, Raymond A; Jewett, John, Jr. W.;. 2014. "Physics for Scientists and
Engineers with Modern Physics." 1622. USA: Brooks/Cole.

n.d. Toppr.com. https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/electric-charges-and-

fields/electric-flux/.

27