Electric Flux: Practice Problem & Solution
A cylinder of radius R and length L is placed in a uniform electric field E parallel to the cylinder axis. The total flux from the surface of the cylinder is:
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Electric Flux. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Since the electric field \( E \) is parallel to the cylinder's axis, the field lines enter and exit symmetrically through the two flat circular ends. The curved surface has no perpendicular component of the field, so no flux passes through it.
By Gauss's law, the net flux through the entire surface is:
\[
\Phi = \text{Charge enclosed} / \varepsilon_0
\]
As no charge is enclosed, \( \Phi = 0 \).
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