Flux through a Gaussian Surface

We now extend the result in equation (3) to calculate the flux through a closed surface of arbitrary shape--a Gaussian surface.

For this flux, we simply extend the integration in equation (3) over the entire Gaussian surface, keeping in mind the convention:

The direction of the area vector at any point on the Gaussian surface is taken to be outward from the surface.

The integration over the entire closed surface is indicated by the symbol .
Thus, the flux through a Gaussian surface is

(4)

Now, test yourself by trying out a practice question.


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