An electric field along x-axis is given by for x > 0 and
for x <0. A right circular cylinder of length 20cm and radius 5cm lies parallel to the x-axis, with its centre at the origin and one face at x = + 10cm, the other face at x = -10cm. Calculate the net outward flux through the cylinder.
x=-10cm x=10cm
From the figure, we can see that on each face the electric field E and small area elements S are parallel. Therefore, outward flux,
On the left side
, sincec
On the side of the cylinder electric field is perpendicular to and hence
.
Therefore, outward flux on the side of the cylinder