In a charge-free region of space, a closed container is placed in an electric field. Which of the following is a requirement for the total electric flux through the surface of the container to be zero? (hw 2a. 6)

A. The container must be oriented in a certain way.

B. The field must be uniform.

C. The container must be symmetric.

D. The requirement does not exist - the total electric flux is zero no matter what.

Question

Sheldon Lambert

Physics

1 September, 19:36

In a charge-free region of space, a closed container is placed in an electric field. Which of the following is a requirement for the total electric flux through the surface of the container to be zero? (hw 2a. 6)

A. The container must be oriented in a certain way.

B. The field must be uniform.

C. The container must be symmetric.

D. The requirement does not exist - the total electric flux is zero no matter what.

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Kayden Atkins · Answer 1

D. The requirement does not exist - the total electric flux is zero no matter what.

Explanation:

According to Gauss's law, total electric flux over a closed surface is equal to 1 / ε₀ times charge inside.

If charge inside is zero, total electric flux over a closed surface is equal to

zero. It has nothing to do with whether external field is uniform or not. For any external field, lines entering surface will be equal to flux going out.