A spherical shell contains three charged objects. The first and second objects have a charge of - 14.0 nC and 31.0 nC, respectively. The total electric flux through the shell is - 533 N ⋅ m 2 / C. What is the charge on the third object?

The charge on the third object is - 21.7nC

Explanation:

From Gauss's Law

Φ = Q/ε₀

where;

Φ is the total electric flux through the shell = - 533 N⋅m²/C

Q is the total charge Q in the shell = ?

ε₀ is the permittivity of free space = 8.85 x 10⁻¹²

From this equation; Φ = Q/ε₀

Q = Φ * ε₀ = - 533 * 8.85 x 10⁻¹²

Q = - 4.7 X 10⁻⁹ C = - 4.7nC

Q = q₁ + q₂ + q₃

- 4.7nC = - 14.0 nC + 31.0 nC + q₃

- 4.7nC - 17nC = q₃

- 21.7nC = q₃

Therefore, the charge on the third object is - 21.7nC