Question

Gaussian surface 1 has twice the area of Gaussian surface 2. Both surfaces enclose the same charge Q. Is the electric flux through surface 1 greater than, less than, or the same as the electric flux through surface 2?

Answer 1

Answer:

The electric flux through surface 1 is greater than the electric flux through surface 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electric Flux is given as:

Φ = E*A

where E = Electric field

A = surface area.

For surface 1,

Φ(1) = E(1)*A(1)

For surface 2,

Φ(2) = E(2)*A(2)

Since both surfaces have the same charge, the electric fields will be the same.

Hence, E(1) = E(2) = E

From the question we are given that:

A(1) = 0.5A(2)

Hence,

Φ(1) = E*A(1)

Φ(2) = E*A(2) = E*0.5A(1)

Φ(2) = 0.5E*A(1)

Comparing Φ(1) and Φ(2), we see that Φ(1) is 2 time greater than Φ(2), hence, the Flux through surface 1 is greater than the Flux through surface 2.