Physics 2 Module 3

General Physics 2
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section:
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph
MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:
Outline:
1. Electric Flux
2. Electric Flux of Uniform and Non-Uniform Electric Field
3. Gauss’s Law
4. Electric Flux and Gaussian Surface
Learning Objectives:
After completing the module, the students will be able to:
 describe and explain the concept of flux
 calculate electric flux
 use Gauss’s law to infer electric field due to uniformly distributed charges on long wires,
spheres, and large plates
In Module 2, you have learned about the Electric field. Now, electric field can be quantitatively
described by using the concept of electric flux.
ELECTRIC FLUX
Electric flux is the number of electric field lines penetrating a surface or passing through a
surface. A macroscopic analogy that might help you imagine this is to put a hula hoop in a flowing
river. As you change the angle of the hoop relative to the direction of the current more or less of the
flow will go through the hoop. Similarly, the amount of flow through the hoop depends on the strength
of the current and the size of the hoop.
The concept of flux describes how much of something goes through a given area. The total
number of lines that penetrates the surface is proportional to the product of EA. This product of the
electric field (E) and the area of the surface (A) perpendicular to the field is called the electric flux
(ΦE).
 E  EA
The SI unit for the electric flux is N.m2/C
It is emphasized above that the area of the surface should be perpendicular to the field. What
will happen if the surface is not perpendicular with the field? If the surface is not perpendicular to the
field (letter b in the illustration below), fewer lines pass through it. The only area that counts is the
projection of A into the plane perpendicular to the field.
General Physics 2
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The larger the area, the more field lines go through it and, hence, the greater the flux; similarly,
the stronger the electric field the greater the flux. On the other hand if the area is rotated so that the
plane is aligned with the field lines, none will pass through and there will be no flux.
Uniform and Non-uniform Electric field
Electric Field can be uniform or non-uniform. Using the definition of scalar product, the electric
flux for a uniform electric field can be written as:
E  E  A
where we call 𝐴⃗ as the area vector. The magnitude of 𝐴⃗ is the area of the surface and its direction
points perpendicular to its plane.
Sample Problem 1: The figure shows a circular surface of

radius 2 m immersed in a uniform electric field of magnitude
E=8 N/C. What is the electric flux on the circular surface?
What are the given in the problem? 𝑟 = 2𝑚

𝐸 = 8𝑁/𝐶
𝜃 = 30°
What is unknown? Φ𝐸 (Electric Flux)
Formula
(Uniform electric field but the field is not Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
perpendicular with the surface)
Solution
Solve first for the A (area of the circle) 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2
𝐴 = 𝜋(2𝑚)2
𝐴 = 12.56𝑚2
Simply substitute the given and the solved value Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
for A to the working formula 𝑁
Φ𝐸 = (8 ) (12.56𝑚2 )𝑐𝑜𝑠30°
𝐶
Φ𝐸 = 87.02 𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶
Sample Problem 2: A uniform electric field E=800 N/C passing through a flat square area A=10 m 2.
Determine the electric flux.
What are the given in the problem? 𝐸 = 800𝑁/𝐶
𝐴 = 10𝑚2
What is unknown? Φ𝐸 (Electric Flux)
Formula
(uniform electric field, the field is perpendicular Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗
to the surface thus Ɵ=0)
Solution
Direct substitution Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗
𝑁
Φ𝐸 = (800 )(10𝑚2 )
𝐶
Φ𝐸 = 8000 𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶
General Physics 2
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For a non-uniform surface, we take an infinitesimal surface element of area 𝑑𝐴⃗, calculate the
electric flux 𝑑Φ𝐸 for each element, then sum all contributing 𝑑Φ𝐸 , throughout the surface by integration.
That is:
Φ𝐸 = ∫ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗
The same formula can be used if the electric field is non-uniform. We take 𝐸⃗⃗ as the net electric
field that passes through each surface area element 𝑑𝐴⃗
Sample Problem 3: A non-uniform electric field given by𝐸⃗⃗ = 3.0𝑥𝑖̂ +

4.0𝑗̂(in SI units) pierces the Gaussian cube as shown in the figure. What
is the electric flux through:
a. the right face
b. the left face, and
c. the top face of the cube?
What are the given in the problem? 𝐸⃗⃗ = 3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂

What is unknown? ΦE in the different faces of the cube
Formula Φ𝐸 = ∫ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗
Solution Solving for the electric flux through the right face of the cube
Since the area vector always
points perpendicular to the plane 𝑑𝐴⃗ = 𝑑𝐴⃗𝑖̂
of the figure, for the right face of
the cube:
The electric flux is then the integral Φ𝐸 = ∫ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗𝑖̂
of the electric field dotted with the
area vector. Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂) ⋅ 𝑑𝐴𝑖̂
Remember that when we are doing Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ + (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂(dA was distributed followed by
a dot product, we only pick up dotting of the hat directions)
terms when the components are
the same
So it’s only when we are dotting Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ + (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
electric fields and area vectors that
are both in the i or j hat direction 1
that we are going to get one (1)
Dotting i with j or dotting different Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ + (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
components will give us zero
0
Φ𝐸 = ∫ 3.0𝑥 𝑑𝐴⃗
Φ𝐸 = 3.0 ∫ 𝑥𝑑𝐴
At the right face of the cube, x=3.0 Φ𝐸 = 9.0 ∫ 𝑑𝐴
m. This reduces our expressions
into: where ʃdA is simply the surface area of the right face of the
cube,
Acube=6a however we are only solving for the surface area of
2,
one face
so that would only be A =a 2
𝐴 = (2𝑚)2
𝐴 = 4𝑚2
Φ𝐸 = (9.0𝑁/𝐶)(4𝑚2 )
General Physics 2
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Φ𝐸 = 36.0𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶 through the right face of the cube

Solving for the electric flux through the left face of the cube
Solution
Using the same method as (a), the 𝑑𝐴⃗ = −𝑑𝐴⃗𝑖̂ left face=negative
area vector for the left face of the
cube is:
The electric flux is then: Φ𝐸 = ∫ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗
Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂) ⋅ −𝑑𝐴𝑖̂

Follow the same step for the Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ − (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
solution in letter (a), the difference
now would only be the negative (-) Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ − (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
sign
Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴) − (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴) − (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂
Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴)
Φ𝐸 = −3.0 ∫ 𝑥𝑑𝐴
At the left face of the cube, x=1.0. Φ𝐸 = −3.0 ∫ 𝑑𝐴
This reduces our expression to
where ʃd A is simply the surface area of the left face of the cube,
Acube=6a2, however we are only solving for the surface area of one
face so that would only be A =a2
𝐴 = (2𝑚)2
𝐴 = 4𝑚2
Φ𝐸 = (−3.0𝑁/𝐶)(4𝑚2 )
Φ𝐸 = −12.0𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶)through the left face of the cube
Solving for the electric flux through the top face of the cube
Solution
The area vector for the top face of 𝑑𝐴⃗ = 𝑑𝐴⃗𝑗̂
the cube is:
The electric flux is then: Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂) ⋅ 𝑑𝐴𝑗̂
Follow the same step for the Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂) ⋅ 𝑑𝐴𝑗̂
solution in letter (a), the difference
now would only be the negative (-) Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂ + (4.0𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂
sign
Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑑𝐴)𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂ + (4.0𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂
Φ𝐸 = ∫(4.0𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂
Φ𝐸 = ∫(4.0𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂
Φ𝐸 = ∫(4.0𝑑𝐴)
Φ𝐸 = 4.0 ∫ 𝑑𝐴
where ʃdA is simply the surface area of one face of the cube,
Φ𝐸 = (4.0𝑁/𝐶)(4𝑚2 )
Φ𝐸 = 16𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶through the top face of the cube
General Physics 2
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Gauss’s law is an alternative way to express the relationship between electric charge and electric field.
It was developed by German mathematician and physicist Karl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855). The total
of the electric flux out of a closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed divided by the permittivity.
ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSSIAN SURFACE
Consider a positive point charge q. At a distance r from q, the electric field due to this point charge is
given by:
If the point charge is placed at the center of an imaginary spherical surface with radius r and calculate
the electric flux through the sphere. Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗ = 𝐸𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. Since the electric field line due to this point
charge is radially outward, E is parallel to the area vector A at each point on the sphere’s surface. Thus,
1 𝑞 𝑞
θ= 0 degrees and the electric flux becomes Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗ = ( 2)
(4𝜋𝑟 2 ) =
4𝜋𝜀𝑜 𝑟 𝜀𝑜
Sample Problem 1:Calculate the electric flux through the rectangle of sides 5 cm and 10 cm kept in
the region of a uniform electric field 100 N/C. The angle θ is 60 degrees. Suppose θ becomes zero,
what is the electric flux?
Given: Rectangle sides 5cm and 10 cm (A= 5x10-3)electric field 100 N/C
θ= 60 degrees
θ= 0 degrees
Unknown: ΦE in 60 degrees and 0 degrees
Formula: Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗ = 𝐸𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Solution
Φ𝐸 = 𝐸𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Solve first for the electric flux 𝑁
Φ𝐸 = (100 ) (5 × 10−3 𝑚2 )𝑐𝑜𝑠60
for the angle 60 degrees: 𝐶
Φ𝐸 = 0.25 𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶
Φ𝐸 = 𝐸𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Solve for the electric flux for 𝑁
Φ𝐸 = (100 ) (5 × 10−3 𝑚2 )𝑐𝑜𝑠60
the angle 0 degrees: 𝐶
Φ𝐸 = 0.5 𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶
General Physics 2
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The electric flux through an area is defined as the electric field multiplied by the area of the
surface projected in a plane perpendicular to the field. Gauss's Law is a general law applying to any
closed surface. It is an important tool since it permits the assessment of the amount of enclosed charge
by mapping the field on a surface outside the charge distribution. For geometries of sufficient
symmetry, it simplifies the calculation of the electric field.
Another way of visualizing this is to consider a probe of area A which can measure the electric
field perpendicular to that area. If it picks any closed surface and steps over that surface, measuring
the perpendicular field times its area, it will obtain a measure of the net electric charge within the
surface, no matter how that internal charge is configured.
The electric flux is not dependent on the radius of the sphere. It only depends on the charge
enclosed by the surface (Gaussian surface). Electric flux of a closed surface,the law states that the net
electric flux in a closed surface will be zero if the volume that is defined by the surface contains a net
charge. To establish the relation we will first take a look at the Gauss law.
𝑄
If we take the Gauss’s law it is represented as: Φ𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 =
𝜀𝑜
Here,
 ΦE = electric flux through a closed surface S enclosing any volume V.
 Q = total charge enclosed within V,
 εo = electric constant(8.854187817 × 10-12 F.m-1)
Meanwhile, the electric flux ΦE can now be defined as a surface integral of the electric field. It is
given as:Φ𝐸 = ∬ 𝐸 ⋅ 𝑑𝐴
Here,
 E = electric field.
 dA = vector representing an infinitesimal element of area of the surface.
For non-spherical surface, we first consider a small area element dA and calculate the electric
flux through that surface element.
The field lines from q make an angle θ with dA. The infinitesimal electric flux dΦE through this
surface isdΦ𝐸 = 𝐸𝑑𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. Summing up each dΦE by integration to calculate the total electric flux
𝑄𝑒𝑛𝑐 𝑄𝑒𝑛𝑐
Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗since Φ𝐸 = , we can extend this expression into:Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝐴⃗ = . The circle on the
𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑜
integral sign is a reminder that the integral is taken over a closed surface.
Sample Problem 2: Two objects O1 and O2 have charges +1.0 and -2.0 respectively, and a third
object, O3, is electrically neutral. (a) What is the electric flux through surface A 1 that encloses all three
objects? (b) What is the electric flux through the surface A2 that encloses the third object only?
General Physics 2
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Given: q1= +1.0 μC

q2= -2.0 μC
q3 = 0
ε0= 8.85 x 10 -12 C2/ N.m2
Unknown: Φ𝐸 (Electric Flux)
𝑞
Formula: Φ𝐸 = 𝜀
𝑜
Solution Solving for the electric flux through surface A1 that
encloses all three objects
Convert the charges q1= +1.0 μC or +1.0𝑥10−6 𝐶
from μC to C q2= -2.0 μC or −2𝑥10−6 𝐶
𝑞1 + 𝑞2 + 𝑞3
Φ𝐸 =
𝜀𝑜
Use Gauss’ Law to determine the
+1.0𝑥10−6 𝐶 + −2𝑥10−6 𝐶 + 0 𝐶
electric flux. Φ𝐸 =
8.85x 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁𝑚2
Get the sum of the three charges −1.0𝑥10−6 𝐶
enclosed by A1 and divide it by the Φ𝐸 =
8.85x 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁𝑚2
value of permittivity of free space
𝚽𝑬 = −𝟏. 𝟏 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝑵𝒎𝟐 /𝑪
Solution
Solving for the electric flux through surface A2 that
encloses the third object only
There is only one object 𝑞3
Φ𝐸 =
enclosed by A2. The third object is 𝜀𝑜
electrically neutral, 0 C. Since there 0𝐶
Φ𝐸 =
is no charge, electric flux is zero 8.85x 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁𝑚2
𝚽𝑬 = 𝟎
Sample Problem 3: Consider an infinitely long, very thin metal tube with radius R= 2.90 cm. The figure
below shows a section of it. If the linear charge density of the cylinder is λ= 1.50 x10 -8 C/m, what is
the appropriate magnitude of the electric field at radial distance r= 2R? The value of the permittivity
constant (ε0= Epsilon naught or permittivity of free space) is ε0= 8.85 x 10 -12 C2/ N.m2.
Given: R= 2.90 cm
λ= 1.50 x10 -8 C/m
ε0= 8.85 x 10 -12 C2/ N.m2
Unknown: Electric field (E)
General Physics 2
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λ
E=
Formula: 2πrε0
r= 2R
Solution
R= 2.90 cm to m
Convert the centimeter to meters to R= 0.03 m
have a uniform unit, then solve for r= 2 R
the radius using the formula r= 2R: r= 2(0.03m)
r= 0.06m
λ
E=
After solving for the radius using the 2πrε0
formula for E given above solve for 1.50x 10−8 𝐶/𝑚
E=
the electric field: 2π(0.06m)(8.85x 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁𝑚2 )
E= 4.50 x 103 N/C
Sample Problem 4: An infinitely long line of charge carries 0.4 C along each meter of length. Find the
electric field 0.3m from the line of charge.
Given: Q= 0.4 C
r= 0.3 m
ε0= 8.85 x 10 -12 C2/ N.m2
Unknown: Electric field (E)
λ
Formula: E =
2πrε0
Solution
0.4 𝐶/𝑚
E=
2π(0.3m)(8.85x 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁𝑚2 )
Solve for the electric field:
𝐄 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝟎𝐱𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟎 𝐍/𝐂is the electric field needed in this
problem
References:
Alvarez, J. (2019) General Physics 2. p14-18 Oxford Publishing (Malaysia)
Samuel, L. (2019). Electric Flux and Gauss Law. MindTouch
General Physics 2
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ACTIVITY NO. 3
Answer the following in a clean sheet of paper. Compute for what is asked. Show your complete
solution and write appropriate units for your final answers. Do not forget to enclose your answers in a
box. (45 points)
1. A flat rectangle is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 7.8 x 103 N/C. The
electric flux through the rectangle when its face is 45º to the field lines is 89.75 Nm2/C. Find the
width of the flat rectangle with a length of 9. 45cm.
Criteria: Given/ Illustration (1 point)

Derivation of Formula (1 point)
Complete Solution (2points)
Final Answer (1 point)
2. A disk of radius 196 mm is oriented with its normal unit vector n̂ at 60º to a uniform electric field
𝐸⃗⃗ of magnitude 5.87 x 103 N/C. (a)What is the electric flux through the disk? (b) What is the flux
through the disk if n̂ is parallel to 𝐸⃗⃗

Derivation of Formula (2 points)
Complete Solution (5 points)
Final Answer (2 points)
3. A hollow sphere has an unknown charges distributed uniformly over its surface. At a distance
of 0.63 m from the center of the sphere, the electric field points radially inward and has
magnitude of 4.56 x103 N/C. How much charge is on the sphere?

Derivation of Formula (1 point)
Complete Solution (2points)
Final Answer (1 point)
4. The figure below shows six point charges that all lie in the same plane. Five Gaussian surfaces:
G1, R2, A3, C4, E5 each enclose part of this plane. The figure shows the intersection of each
surface with the plane. The value of the permittivity of free space is ε0= 8.85 x 10 -12 C2/ N.m2.
(25 points; 5 points each)
Find the net electric flux through each of the following closed surfaces:
a. G1
b. R2
c. A3
General Physics 2
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d. C4
e. E5
R2 +9.0 µC
G1
- 5.0 µC +6.0 µC
C4
+3.0 µC E5
+8.0 µC A3
-11.0 µC

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General Physics 2

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

Sample Problem 1: The figure shows a circular surface of

What are the given in the problem? 𝑟 = 2𝑚

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

Sample Problem 3: A non-uniform electric field given by𝐸⃗⃗ = 3.0𝑥𝑖̂ +

What are the given in the problem? 𝐸⃗⃗ = 3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

Φ𝐸 = 36.0𝑁𝑚2 /𝐶 through the right face of the cube

Φ𝐸 = ∫(3.0𝑥𝑖̂ + 4.0𝑗̂) ⋅ −𝑑𝐴𝑖̂

Φ𝐸 = ∫ −(3.0𝑥𝑑𝐴) − (4.0 𝑑𝐴)𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

Given: q1= +1.0 μC

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

Criteria: Given/ Illustration (1 point)

Criteria: Given/ Illustration (1 point)

Criteria: Given/ Illustration (1 point)

MODULE 3 – Physics 2 Subject Teacher:

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