Gauss's Law (Chapter 24) (PHY1020 - s21)

Problems and Quiz Questions

Question 1 : These are cross sections of 3D closed surfaces. The top and bottom
surfaces, which are flat, are in front of and behind the screen. The electric field is
everywhere parallel to the screen. The electric flux E through the closed surfaces is:
Which closed surface a,b or c have zero electric flux.

A) E-a > 0 and E-b > 0.

B) E-a > 0 and E-c < 0.
C) E-a = 0 and E-b > 0.
D) E-a = 0 and E-c > 0.

Question 2: The electric flux through the circle of radius 5 cm, placed in a
uniform electric field of strength 4 N/C as shown is:

A) 0.027 Nm2/C
B) 0.016 Nm2/C
C) 6.8 x 10-3 Nm2/C
D) 3.9 x 10-3 Nm2/C
Question 3: Which Gaussian surfaces have an electric flux of 2q/0?

A) S1
B) S2
C) S3
D) S4
E) S2 and S4
F) S2 and S1

Question 4: The electric field at a distance r away from an infinite wire with
charge density  is found to be (video example 3.2):

In the figure, two long wires have a linear charge density +/ |. The distance
between them is a. What is the electric field at point P that is 2 a below the lower
wire?

A) || / (4  o a), up
B) || / (4  o a), down
C) || / (12  o a), up
D) 5 || / (12  o a), down
P
(note, up and down are both along the page)
Example 1: A solid uniformly charged sphere of radius a and positive charge Qa is
placed inside a thin shell of radius b that carries a charge Qb =2 Qa uniformly
distributed on its surface. Find the electric field at
i- a < r2 < b
ii- r1 < a
iii- r3 > b
Problem Solving Worksheet Problem Description:

Model: Make simplifying assumptions.

Visualize: Draw a picture, show important points. Establish a coordinate system, define
symbols. List knowns and what you're trying to find.

Solve:
Assess: Have you answered the question? Do you have the correct units and sign,
significant digits? Is your answer reasonable?
 Example 2: Find the electric field of an infinite plane that has a positive
surface charge density .

Model: Make simplifying assumptions.

Visualize: Draw a picture, show important points. Establish a coordinate system, define
symbols. List knowns and what you're trying to find.

Solve:

Assess: Have you answered the question? Do you have the correct units and sign,
significant digits? Is your answer reasonable?