Lec-Jan23

Gauss's Law

States that the net flux passing through a closed surface is proportional to the net charge enclosed within that surface.

Gaussian Surface (g.s.)

A closed, imaginary mathematical surface used to apply Gauss's Law.

Electric Flux

The total amount of electric field passing through a given area.

Symmetry in Gauss's Law

Utilizing the shape and distribution of charge to simplify the calculation of electric fields.

Spherical Symmetry

A situation where electric field lines are equally distributed around a central point charge, simplifying calculations.

Radial Electric Field

The electric field that points directly away from or toward a charge in a radial manner.

Conductors in Equilibrium

In a conductor at equilibrium, the electric field inside is zero, indicating free-moving charges redistribute to cancel any internal field.

Induced Charge in a Cavity

A net charge inside a cavity of a conductor induces a charge of equal magnitude but opposite sign on the inner surface.

Electric Field Outside a Spherical Shell

For a spherical shell with total charge Q uniformly distributed, the electric field outside is given by E = Q/(4πε₀r²), directed radially outward.

Electric Field Inside a Spherical Shell

Inside a uniformly charged spherical shell, the electric field is zero.

Cylindrical Symmetry

A charge distribution where the electric field is uniform along the curved surface of a cylinder, simplifying calculations.

Pillbox Gaussian Surface

A type of Gaussian surface used to analyze electric fields near flat surfaces.

Faraday Cage

A conductive enclosure that protects its interior from external electric fields.