UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Physics » An Idea on Electric Flux

An Idea on Electric Flux

An electric flux is the number of electric field lines that crosses a particular area. Electric field lines begin with positive charges and end with negative charges.

Electric flux is a measurement of how much electricity flows through a specific area. It aids in a better understanding of electrostatics. It’s linked to Gauss’s Law and electric lines of force, also known as electric field lines. Although flux is a broad term that does not have to do with electromagnetics, it may be used to describe any vector quantity. This notion aids in understanding the behaviour of the electric field and, in some situations, aids in determining the electric field.

What is Flux?

The term flux refers to the amount of a quantity that passes through a specific area in an effective amount. It isn’t just restricted to electric or magnetic flux; any vector passing through a region can be defined as follows:E = Electric field

Dimensional formula of electric flux:

An electric field is equal to force charge

And Force is equal to m × a

The charge is equal to current × time ( I × T)

Electric flux = field × area

So, the dimensional formula of the electric flux is shown as:

Where

M stands for Mass

L stands for length

T stands for time

A stands for Ampere

Electric Flux Through an Area Element

Multiplying the electromagnetic field by the extent reflected during a perpendicular direction to the sector yields the electric flux via a region. Gauss’s Law is a universal principle that may be used on any closed path. It’s a valuable tool that lets you determine the confined charge by projecting the sphere on a region outside the charge distribution. For geometries with proper symmetry, it facilitates the computation of the electrical field.

To understand the electric flux through an area element, consider a sensor with an area of A that can detect the electric field perpendicular to the area. It can determine the net electrical charges inside any closed path by passing over it and multiplying the perpendicular fields with its surface, irrespective of the inner charge distribution.

Gauss’s Law

After comprehending the principle of electrical flux, we can claim that if there are no charges inside the volume of a closed surface, the electric flux across the exterior surface is zero. But if there are certain charges within the surface quantity, Gauss’s Law has the solution to the current issue.

According to Gauss’s Law, the electric flux flowing through a closed path matches the ratio of the total charge confined by that surface to the permittivity of blank space.

The contained charge determines the total electric flux through the surface. The statement of Gauss’s Law provides the net electric flow through any closed surface.

 In terms of formula, the Gauss law can be written as:

Gauss Law: Φ = Q /ϵ0

According to this formula, the symbols resemble different aspects of the Gauss law. 

Φ this refers to the electric flux

Q refers to the electric charge 

ϵ0 refers to the permittivity 

Applications of Gauss’s Law

  • Gauss’s Law may be used to determine the electric field of a set of points, an endless line of charge, an infinite surface of charge, or a sphere of charge. 
  • The Gauss law is also used for the calculation of electric flux that is near to the large plane sheet of charges. Further, the Gauss law and its application also extend to the calculation of electric flux confined in a uniform and charged sphere.
  • Gauss’s law is used to calculate electrical flux for a symmetrical distribution of charges. For a relatively symmetric configuration of electrical charges like the cylindrical or spherical distribution of charges, the law may be used to attain the electric flux E without taking any tough integrals.

Conclusion

This article explains electric flux in detail. Flux may be a broad term not confined to electromagnetics. It’s a scalar quantity and its unit (voltmeter). The number of electric field lines (amount of electrical field) travelling through a surface gives the electric flux. According to Gauss’s Law, the electric flux flowing through a closed path matches the ratio of the total charge confined by that surface to the permittivity of blank space.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

Is electric flux a scalar or a vector quantity?

Ans. The electric flux is a scalar quantity. It is a scalar because it is the dot product of two vector variables, t...Read full

What is electric flux?

Ans. The number of electric lines of force (or electric field lines) that cross a particular area can be considered ...Read full

What is Gauss's Law?

Ans. According to Gauss’s Law, the total electric flux out of a closed s...Read full

What are the dependencies of the electric field lines?

Ans. The charge is at the beginning of the field line, which continues to infinity or even to the charge. When the f...Read full

What factors does electric flux depend on?

Ans. There are several factors affecting the electric flux like the electric field strength, the distance of the sur...Read full

What is the Gauss Law equation?

Ans. The equation for the gauss law is: Φ = Q /ϵ...Read full