University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 22 - Gauss's Law - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 745: Q22.8

Answer

Under these hypothetical conditions, Gauss’s Law will not be valid.

Work Step by Step

Under these hypothetical conditions, consider a spherical Gaussian surface with a point charge at its center. The electric field has the same strength everywhere on the surface, and the electric field flux equals the electric field strength multiplied by the surface area. Now, double the radius of the Gaussian surface. The electric field strength falls by a factor of 8 under these hypothetical conditions, while the surface area increases by a factor of 4. The new electric flux is now only half of what it was before. Gauss’s Law states that the flux depends on the enclosed charge, but this is a counterexample. The 2 closed surfaces have the same enclosed charge, but different electric flux through themselves.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.