1 Answer
Gauss's Law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism, relating the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed by that surface. It's commonly tested in multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in physics and electrical engineering.
Here's an example of a Gauss's Law MCQ:
Question:
Which of the following statements is true according to Gauss's Law?
A) The total electric flux through any closed surface is always zero.
B) The electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the total charge enclosed within the surface.
C) Gauss’s Law applies only to conductors.
D) The electric field inside a conductor is always zero.
Correct Answer:
B) The electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the total charge enclosed within the surface.
Explanation:
Gauss's Law states that the electric flux \( \Phi_E \) through a closed surface is directly proportional to the total charge \( Q_{\text{enclosed}} \) inside that surface:
\[
\Phi_E = \frac{Q_{\text{enclosed}}}{\epsilon_0}
\]
where \( \epsilon_0 \) is the permittivity of free space. This law is crucial for calculating electric fields when dealing with symmetric charge distributions.
Here's an example of a Gauss's Law MCQ:
Question:
Which of the following statements is true according to Gauss's Law?
A) The total electric flux through any closed surface is always zero.
B) The electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the total charge enclosed within the surface.
C) Gauss’s Law applies only to conductors.
D) The electric field inside a conductor is always zero.
Correct Answer:
B) The electric flux through a closed surface is proportional to the total charge enclosed within the surface.
Explanation:
Gauss's Law states that the electric flux \( \Phi_E \) through a closed surface is directly proportional to the total charge \( Q_{\text{enclosed}} \) inside that surface:
\[
\Phi_E = \frac{Q_{\text{enclosed}}}{\epsilon_0}
\]
where \( \epsilon_0 \) is the permittivity of free space. This law is crucial for calculating electric fields when dealing with symmetric charge distributions.