Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Gauss's Law
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Gauss's Law
A closed surface intersecting a conducting sphere is depicted in...
A closed surface intersecting a conducting sphere is depicted in the figure. If a positive charge is positioned at point , the flux of the electric field through the closed surface

Options
- Awill become negative
- Bwill remain zero
- Cwill become positive
- Dwill become undefined
Correct answer
C. will become positive
Step-by-step solution
When a positive charge is placed at point P, it induces a negative charge on the closer side (right side) of the conducting sphere due to electrostatic attraction.
Consequently, an equal amount of positive charge is induced on the farther side (left side) of the conducting sphere due to repulsion.
As seen in the figure, the closed surface encloses the left portion of the conducting sphere. Therefore, the net charge enclosed by the closed surface is positive.
According to Gauss's law, the electric flux through a closed surface is given by .
Since the enclosed charge is positive, the electric flux through the closed surface will become positive.
Consequently, an equal amount of positive charge is induced on the farther side (left side) of the conducting sphere due to repulsion.
As seen in the figure, the closed surface encloses the left portion of the conducting sphere. Therefore, the net charge enclosed by the closed surface is positive.
According to Gauss's law, the electric flux through a closed surface is given by .
Since the enclosed charge is positive, the electric flux through the closed surface will become positive.