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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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. All Rights Reserved.