E14B.3 Suppose we have a positively-charged particle inside an arbitrarily-shape

Question

E14B.3 Suppose we have a positively-charged particle inside an arbitrarily-shaped closed gaussian surface as shown in (a). Then we bring an identical particle and park it just outside the gaussian surface as shown in (b). Charge Charges b) Caussian surface Gaussian suriace Does the electric field at point P increase, decrease or remain the same for situation (b) relative to situation (a)? Explain your reasoning Does the electric flux across the gaussian surface increase, decrease or remain the same for situation (b) retative to situation (a)? Explain your reasoning

Explanation / Answer

(I). The electric field at point P increases for situation (b) relative to situation (a).

Reason : From Coulomb's law, the electric field due to two identical charged particles will be more as compared to the electric field due to a single charged particle.

(II) The electric flux across the gaussian surface remains the same for situation (b) relative to situation (a).

Reason : From Gauss's law, the electric flux through a gaussian surface only depends on the total charge inside the gaussian surface. Since the total charge inside the gaussian surface in situations (a) and (b) is same, there won't be any change in the electric flux.

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