SHS

General Physics 2 Activity Sheet

Quarter 3 – MELC 6, 7,
10 12 & 13
Week 1
Coulomb’s Law, Electric Fields,
and Electric Flux

REGION VI – WESTERN VISAYAS

General Physics 2
Activity Sheet No. 2 - Coulomb’s Law, Electric Fields, and Electric Flux
First Edition, 2021

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Introductory Message
Welcome to General Physics 2!

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Name of Learner: ___________________________________________________
Grade and Section:_______________________________Date: ________________

GENERAL PHYSICS 2 ACTIVITY SHEET No.

Coulomb’s Law, Electric Fields, and Electric Flux

I. Learning Competencies with Codes

● Calculate the net electric force on a point charge exerted by a system of
point charges (STEM_GP12EMIIIa-6).
● Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge
experiences a force (STEM_GP12EMIIIa-7).
● Calculate the electric field due to a system of point charges using
Coulomb’s law and the superposition principle (STEM_GP12EMIIIa-10).
● Calculate electric flux (STEM_GP12EMIIIb-12).
● Use Gauss’s law to infer electric field due to uniformly distributed
charges on long wires, spheres, and large plates (STEM_GP12EMIIIb-
13).

II. Background Information for Learners

Have you ever been attracted to someone? Or is there someone who is
attracted to you? You may say yes or no. But in Physics, the answer is definitely
yes! With the gravitational force, which is an attractive force acting upon every
object having mass, you are being attracted to someone (and everything having
mass), and you also attract someone (and everything having mass) --- all
attraction is mutual!
What about in terms of long distance relationship, what is your stand about
this? Do you think this will really work? Whatever your stand is, it is really valid.
But in Physics point of view, LDR will not work. Can you still recall Newton’s
Law of Universal Gravitation? The law states that, “the gravitational force
between two masses is directly proportional to the product of the masses and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them”. Hence, the
bigger you are, and the closer you are, the greater is the gravitational force
between the two of you. It’s like saying, the more love you give, as well as the
closer you are to each other, the stronger your relationship.
With these, instead of saying that love makes the world go round, it’s more
appropriate to say that, Physics makes the world go round.
In this lesson, you will be learning another type of force which is not only
attractive in nature but can also be repulsive.

Exercise 1. Let’s Warm Up!

Read, analyze and answer questions in the given selection.

CHARGE INTERACTIONS ARE FORCES

In the previous lesson, you have learned that it is possible to charge an
initially neutral object such as a plastic comb by rubbing it through your hair.
From being electrically neutral, it can become a negatively charged object, and
once you place it near the tiny bits of paper, it can draw bits of paper towards

1
it. Furthermore, it is also possible that electrically charged object can repel
another electrically charged object.
Now, it’s time to apply what you’ve previously learned. Analyze the figure
below and answer the questions that follow.

(a) (b)

Figure 1. Charge interactions. (Retrieved from

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-1/Charge-Interactions)

Guide Questions:
1) What happens when a positive charge and a negative charge are placed
near each other?
2) What happens when two negative charges are placed near each other?
What about when two positive charges are placed near each other?
3) What type of electric force exists between like charges? What about
between opposite charges?
4) Explain the phrase “charge interactions are forces”.

The electric force holds atom together --- the positive nucleus attracts
orbiting electrons. Electric force, Fe, is the result of an interaction between
objects, and the interaction that is due to their electrical charges. One
distinguishing feature that makes electric force different from the other forces
that you have learned is that, electric force is an example of a non-contact
force. This means that electric force is still present even the interacting objects
are not in direct or physical contact with each other --- it acts even at some
separation distance. Just like in the case of the charged comb and bits of paper,
and even between the charged comb and the stream of running water, electric
forces were still present.

COULOMB’S LAW
With the current pandemic, several restrictions are imposed. The face-to-
face school set-up is changed to a distance learning set-up, social gatherings
are prohibited, and outdoor and team sports are not allowed anymore. These
changes have affected several aspects of life. In your case, how does this
pandemic affect your life? I think you would agree that for one, your closeness
or relationship with your classmates or peers is affected by the changes brought
about by the pandemic. It’s really a different thing when you always get to see
each other, isn’t it? The relationship is somehow affected by proximity.
The above-mentioned claim can be associated with a Physics law known
as Coulomb’s Law. Before you delve deeper into the concept of the afore-
mentioned law, accomplish the activity below.

2
Exercise 2. Think and Share!
Analyze the following illustrations and answer the questions that follow.

Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Guide Questions:
1) In situation 1, what happens to the electrical force between two objects
as their magnitudes increase?
2) What relationship exists between the force of attraction and the
magnitude of the two charges?
3) In situation 2, what happens to the electrical force between two objects
as the distance between them decreases? What about as the distance
between them increases?
4) What relationship exists between the force of attraction and the distance
between the two charges?

3
 Coulomb’s law was formulated by Charles Augustin de Coulomb. The
law is a quantitative expression for the effect of the magnitude of charges of
two charged particles, as well as the separation distance between them, on the
strength of electric force. In addition, it states that “the electric force exerted by
a small charged object on another small charged object, is directly proportional
to the product of the magnitudes of the charges, and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them”. In mathematical form, this can be
𝒒 𝒒
expressed as 𝐹 = 𝒌 𝒓𝟏𝟐 𝟐, where
🗹 F (sometimes denoted as Fe to distinguish it from the other forces) is the
magnitude of the electric force with a unit newton, and is always positive;
🗹 q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges in coulomb, these can either
be positive or negative;
🗹 d is the distance between the centers of both charge, NOT the distance
between their nearest surfaces, which is measured in meters; and
🗹 k is a proportionality constant known as Coulomb’s constant with an
𝑁𝑚2
approximate value of 9 × 109 𝐶 2 .This value of k is only applicable if the
charges are in air or vacuum. The value of k can be reduced up to a
factor of 80 if the charges are present in water.

Like any other forces, electric force is a vector quantity, and it acts along
the line joining the two charged particles. The magnitude of the electric force
can be determined using Coulomb’s law, and its direction can be determined
using the fundamental rules of charge interaction.

To have a clearer understanding of Coulomb’s law, consider the figure

below.

Figure 2. Interactions between point charges. (Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/austincc-

physics2/chapter/18-3-coulombs-law/)

Figure 2a shows that charges of the same sign are exerting repulsive
forces on each other. F21 is a representation of the force exerted by q1 on q2
which is directed leftward, and F12 is a representation of the force exerted by q2
on q1 which is directed rightward. On the other hand, Figure 2b shows an
interaction between charges of opposite sign. Charges having the opposite
signs attractive forces, hence, F21 and F12 are directed toward each other.
Newton’s third law of motion is at work in these cases; even the charges are
not equal in magnitude, the magnitudes of the forces are always equal in
magnitude and opposite in direction.

4
 To have a good grasp of Coulomb’s law, let’s apply this in the following
physics problems.

1) What is the force of attraction between the lone electron and proton in a
hydrogen atom, if the average distance between them is 5.0 x 10-11m?
Given: q1 (charge of the electron) = -1.6 x 10-19 C Req’d: F = ?
q2 (charge of the proton) = +1.6 x 10-19 C
r = 5.0 x 10-11m
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑞1 𝑞2
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 𝑟 2
Sol’n: Without considering the sign of the charges, substitute the values in
Coulomb’s law. The signs just give idea regarding the type of charge
involved.
𝑞 𝑞
𝐹 = 𝑘 122 𝑟
𝑁𝑚2 (1.6×10−19 𝐶)(1.6×10−19 𝐶)
𝐹 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (5×10−11 𝑚)2

𝑭 = 𝟗. 𝟐𝟐 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝑵
2) The force between a pair of charges is 100 N. The distance between the
charges is 0.01 meter. If one of the charges is 2 x 10-10 C, what is the strength
of the other charge?
Given: F = 100 N Req’d: q2 = ?
-10
q1 = 2 x 10 C
r = 0.01 m
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝐹𝑟 2
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 🡪 𝑞2 = 𝑘𝑞
𝑟2 1
Sol’n:
𝐹𝑟 2
𝑞2 = 𝑘𝑞
(100 𝑁)(0.01𝑚)2
𝑞2 = 𝑁𝑚2
(9×109 )(2×10−10 𝐶)
𝐶2
𝒒𝟐 = 𝟓. 𝟓𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑪
3) The e force between two charges is 1000 N. One has a charge of
2 x 10-5 C, and the other has a charge of 5 x 10-6 C. What is the distance
between them?
Given: F = 1000 N Req’d: r = ?
q1 = 2 x 10-5 C
q2 = 5 x 10-6 C
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑘𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑘𝑞1 𝑞2
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 🡪 𝑟2 = 🡪𝑟=√
𝑟2 𝐹 𝐹
Sol’n:
𝑘𝑞1 𝑞2
𝑟=√ 𝐹
2
(9×10 9 𝑁𝑚 )(2×10−5 𝐶)(5×10−6 𝐶)
𝑟=√ 𝐶2
1000 𝑁

𝒓 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑 𝒎
5
SUPERPOSITION PRINCIPLE

The above given examples are focusing only on the force between two
point charges. What if you are given more than two charges, say three charges
to consider: Q1, Q2, and Q3? What will be the net force on Q1 due to Q2 and Q3?
In this case, the net force can be determined using the superposition
principle.
Electric force, being a vector quantity, can be added like any other forces,
and it obeys the superposition principle.
This principle states that “the net
electric force a particular charged
particle experiences due to a number of
other charges, is equal to the vector
sum of the electric force exerted by
each point charge on that particle”.
Figure 3. Superposition of charges. (Retrieved from
For instance, if you are given q1, https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-
q2, and q3, as shown in Figure 3, and answers/given-following-1d-charge-configuration-find-
you wanted to determine the net force magnitude-direction-electric-field--b-find-ac-q22957217)
on q2 which is simultaneously attracted
by the other two charges, this can be calculated using vector addition. The
result is that q2 experiences the combined effect of the two forces.
Now, try to work on the following sample problems.

1) Three point charges are arranged as shown in the figure below. q1 = 4.0 x
10-9 C, q2 = 4.0 x 10-9 C, and q3 = -6.0 x 10-9 C. Find the net force on q1 due to
q2 and q3.

q2 0.50 m q1 0.30 m q3

Given: q1 = 4.0 x 10-9 C Req’d: Fnet = ?

-9
q2 = 5.0 x 10 C
q3 = -6.0 x 10-9 C
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑞 𝑞
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 𝑟1 2 2
Sol’n: Do not consider the signs of the charges in solving for the force.
Let F21 be the force exerted by q2 on q1, and F31 be the force exerted by
q3 on q1. Then, using Coulomb’s Law
𝑁𝑚2 (4.0×10−9 𝐶)(5.0×10−9 𝐶)
𝐹21 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (0.50𝑚)2
−7
𝐹21 = 7.2 × 10 𝑁

Since Q1 and Q2 are both positively charged, Q2 will repel Q1. Therefore,
F21 must be directed to the right.

𝑁𝑚2 (4.0×10−9 𝐶)(6.0×10−9 𝐶)

𝐹31 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (0.30𝑚)2
−6
𝐹31 = 2.4 × 10 𝑁

6
 Since q1 and q3 have opposite signs, q3 will attract q1. Therefore, F31 must
be directed to the right.
F21 F31
q2 q1 q3

Since F21 and F31 are acting in the same direction, the resultant force on
q1 is the sum of F21 and F31.
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝐹21 + 𝐹31
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = (7.2 × 10−7 𝑁) + (2.4 × 10−6 𝑁)
𝑭𝒏𝒆𝒕 = 𝟑. 𝟏𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑵, 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

2) Three charges, each 5.0 x10-6 C are situated at the corners of an equilateral
triangle of side 1.0 m. Find the force that charge Q 3 experienced due to the
other two charges.
q3

q2 q1

Given: q1 = 5.0 x 10-6 C Req’d: FR = ?

q2 = 5.0 x 10-6 C
q3 = 5.0 x 10-6 C
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
r = 1.0 m
𝑞 𝑞
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 𝑟1 2 2
Sol’n: Let F13 be the force exerted by q1 on q3, and F23 be the force exerted
by q2 on q3. Then, using Coulomb’s Law
𝑁𝑚2 (5.0×10−6 𝐶)(5.0×10−6 𝐶)
𝐹13 = (9 × 109 𝐶2
) (1.0𝑚)2
𝐹13 = 0.23 𝑁

𝑁𝑚2 (5.0×10−6 𝐶)(5.0×10−6 𝐶)

𝐹23 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (1.0𝑚)2
𝐹23 = 0.23 𝑁

Both F13 and F23 are repulsive forces. Let us place q3 at the origin of the
rectangular coordinate system. The directions of F13 and F23 are shown in the
figure below.

7
 Now, we can use the component method to get the resultant force FR.
Vector x-component y-component
F13 -0.23cos60° = -0.12 N +0.23sin60° = +0.20 N
F23 +0.23cos60° = +0.12 N +0.23sin60° = +0.20 N
FR ΣFx = 0 ΣFy = +0.40 N

Therefore, the resultant force FR is 0.40 N directed up.

ELECTRIC FIELD
Before discussing more about electric field, understand first what a field is
in general manner. In physics, a field is defined as a property of a region of
space that can exert a force to objects found in that region of space. So, when
you speak of gravitational field, you are referring to the property of that
surrounds objects having mass. This is why you said earlier that you are
attracted to someone, and you are also attracting someone. Actually, you are
not just attracting and attracted to someone --- you are not just attracting and
attracted to everything! It is because the gravitational field that you are creating
(due to your mass), and which surrounds you is extending infinitely into space.
However, despite this fact, you cannot really see objects moving toward each
other because gravitational field is just a weak field.
On the other hand, electric field is a property of region of space that
exerts a force to charged objects in that region of space. Hence, a charged
particle in an electric field will experience an electric force. This field is the
underlying reason why a balloon can move across space and either pull a
second balloon towards it or push it away.
Exercise 3. Visualize and Discuss
To help you visualize what an electric field is,
consider Figure 4. As shown in the Figure 4a, there
are two charges namely charge A and charge B.
Moreover, B has charge q0, and 𝐹⃗0 is the electric
force of A on B.

Guide Questions:
1) Consider Figure 4a. What is the effect of the
charges that A and B carry on the space
around them?
2) 𝐹⃗0 in the illustration is an action-at-a-
distance force, what does this mean?
3) Consider charges A and B as separate
charges, and focus on charge A as shown in
Figure 4. A charged body creates an
Figure 4b. What is the effect of charge A at electric field in the space around it.
point? What about if a test charge q0 is (Retrieved from
placed at point P (as shown in Figure 4c)? https://slideplayer.com/slide/14608792
/90/images/16/Electric+field+A+charge
Use figures 4b and 4c to explain your answer. d+body+produces+an+electric+field+in
4) How do we describe an electric force 𝐹⃗0 ? +the+space+around+it..jpg)

8
 The strength of the electric field known as the electric field intensity,
which is the force that a test charge will experience when placed at that point
⃗⃗
𝑭
can be quantitatively determined using the equation ⃗𝑬⃗ = , where
𝒒𝒐
🗹 𝐹⃗ is the force in newtons;
🗹 q0 is the magnitude of the test charge in coulomb; and
🗹 𝐸⃗⃗ is the electric field intensity with the unit newtons per coulomb (N/C)
Just like the electric force, the electric field is also a vector quantity with a
direction that is always directed away from a positive charge and always
directed toward a negative charge.
More so, if the electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ at a certain point is known, then the force
on any other charge placed at that point can be determined using the equation
⃗𝑭⃗ = 𝒒𝑬
⃗⃗⃗. If the charge happens to be negative, the direction of the force on the
negative charge is opposite to the direction of the field.
You can also write the electric force using Coulomb’s law 𝑭 ⃗⃗ = 𝒌 𝒒𝟏𝟐𝒒𝟐.
𝒓
𝑭 ⃗⃗ 𝑸𝒒 𝟏
Substituting this to the definition of electric field, we get ⃗𝑬⃗ = 𝒒 🡪 ⃗𝑬⃗ = 𝒌 𝒓𝟐 ∙ 𝒒 ,
𝒐 𝒐
where
🗹 𝑄 is the charge that sets up an electric field around it; and
🗹 𝑞 is the small charge within the field of Q.
🗹 q0 is the magnitude of the test charge in coulomb; and
Hence, the magnitude of the electric field is given by the equation
|𝑸|
⃗𝑬⃗ = 𝒌
𝒓𝟐
Analyze the following sample problems.

1) A uniform electric field is directed downward and has a magnitude of 5 N/C.

What is the magnitude and direction of the force experienced by a charge of -6
C placed in this field?

Given: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 5 N/C, directed downward Req’d: 𝐹⃗ = ?

q = -6 C
Eq’n: 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞𝐸⃗⃗
Sol’n: 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞𝐸⃗⃗
⃗⃗ = 𝟑𝟎 𝑵
𝑭
Since the charge is negative, the direction of the force is opposite the
direction of the field. Thus, the force on the charge must be directed upward.

2) Determine the field intensity midway between the two charges, each equal
to 4.0 x 10-12 C and separated by a distance of 2.0 m.

The first thing that you need to do is to place a unit positive test charge
between midway between the two charges.

q2 1.0 m q1 1.0 m q3

9
Given: q0 (test charge) = +1.0 C Req’d: 𝐸⃗⃗ = ?
q1 = +4.0 C x 10-12 C
q2 = +4.0 C x 10-12 C
𝐹⃗
Eq’n: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑞𝑜

Sol’n: Now, compute the force that q1 exerts on q0, as well as the force that q2
exerts on q0. These forces will be labelled as F10 and F20, respectively. Then,
using Coulomb’s Law
𝑁𝑚2 (4.0×10−12 𝐶)(1.0 𝐶)
𝐹10 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (1.0𝑚)2
−2
𝐹10 = 3.6 × 10 𝑁, 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

𝑁𝑚2 (4.0×10−12 𝐶)(1.0 𝐶)

𝐹20 = (9 × 109 )
𝐶2 (1.0𝑚)2
−2
𝐹20 = 3.6 × 10 𝑁, 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡

Since the two forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction,
the net force experienced by q0 is zero. Hence, 𝐸⃗⃗ is also 0.
𝐹⃗ 0
𝐸⃗⃗ = 🡪 𝐸⃗⃗ =
𝑞𝑜 1.0 𝐶
⃗𝑬⃗ = 𝟎

3) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point P which
is 30 cm to the right of a point charge Q = -3.0 x 10-6 C.
Given: Q = -3.0 x 10-6 C Req’d: 𝐸⃗⃗ = ?
r = 30 cm
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑄
Eq’n: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑘 𝑟 2
𝑄
Sol’n: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑘 2 𝑟
2
𝑁𝑚 (3.0×10 𝐶) −6
𝐸⃗⃗ = (9 × 109 𝐶 2 ) (0.30𝑚)2
⃗𝑬⃗ = 𝟑. 𝟎 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝑵/𝑪

The direction of the electric field is toward the charge Q, that is to the
left, since we defined the direction as that of the force on a positive test charge
which here would be attractive.

ELECTRIC FLUX

As previously mentioned, the strength of the electric field can be

𝐹⃗
quantitatively determined using the equation 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑞 . On the other hand, you
𝑜
can also determine qualitatively the strength of an electric field by means of the
electric field lines. The density of the lines depicts the strength of the field.
Specifically, the density of lines at any point is proportional to the electric field
strength at that point. Consider the figure shown at the right. The electric field

10
is stronger at the region in which the field lines
are closer together as compared with the
region in which the field lines are quite far from
each other.
The number of electric field lines can also
be quantitatively determined. The number of
electric field lines crossing a surface around a
charge or a distribution of charges is known as
the electric flux. Furthermore, it is also
defined as the rate of flow of the electric field Figure 5. Density of electric field lines. (Retrieved from
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Less
through a given area. on-4/Electric-Field-Lines)
The electric flux is affected by the
position of the surface relative to the electric
field. It is therefore necessary to identify the area as a vector that is always
perpendicular to the surface.

a b c
Figure 6. Electric flux through open surfaces. (Retrieved from https://howtomechatronics.com/learn/electricity/electric-flux-
gausss-law/)

Figure 6 shows the electric flux through open surfaces. For each surface,
the broken line arrow represents the area. The area vector is always
perpendicular to the surface. If there is an angle θ between the electric field
vector and the area vector, then the electric flux through the surface is
Ф = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑬 • 𝑨𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽, where
🗹 Ф is the electric flux in the SI unit N•m2/C;
🗹 𝐸⃗⃗ is the electric field in N/C; and
🗹 A is the are in m2.

For Figure (6a) 𝐸⃗⃗ is parallel to A, hence θ = 0°; (6b) there is a certain angle
between 𝐸⃗⃗ and A; and (6c) 𝐸⃗⃗ is perpendicular to A, hence θ = 90°. For the case
where the area vector is parallel to the electric field, θ = 0°, and this gives a
cosine of 1 and this reduces the electric flux equation to Ф = ⃗𝑬⃗𝑨. If the surface
is perpendicular to the electric field, θ = 90°, then there is no electric flux since
cos 90° is equal to zero. (Santisteban-Cook and Baguio, 2018).

11
 Now, let us apply the equation on the following sample problems.

1) What is the electric flux of a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ = 8000 N/C passing
through a flat square A = 10 m2?
Given: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 8000 N/C Req’d: Ф = ?
A = 10 m 2

Eq’n: Ф = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝐴
Sol’n: Ф = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝐴
𝑁
Ф = (8000 𝐶 ) (10𝑚2 )
𝑵𝒎𝟐
Ф = 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎𝟓
𝑪

2) Determine the electric flux through a rectangle of sides 5cm and 10 cm kept
in the region of uniform electric field 100 N/C if
(a) θ = 60°
(b) θ = 0°
Given: A = 5 cm x 10 cm Req’d: Ф = ?
⃗⃗
𝐸 = 100 N/C
θ = 60°
Eq’n: Ф = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Sol’n: Determine the area of the surface
A = l x w (unit must be in meter, use your knowledge on conversion)
A = (0.05 m) (0.1 m)
A = 0.005 m2

𝑁
(a) Ф = (100 𝐶 ) (0.005𝑚2 )(𝑐𝑜𝑠60)
𝑵𝒎𝟐
Ф = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓 𝑪
𝑁
(b) Ф = (100 𝐶 ) (0.005𝑚2 )(𝑐𝑜𝑠0)
𝑵𝒎𝟐
Ф = 𝟎. 𝟓 𝑪

GAUSS’S LAW
You’ve learned already how to calculate for the electric field, as well as
the electric flux. Now, you get acquainted with the law that generalizes how
electric fields are related to charge distributions. Gauss’s law is one of the four
equations collectively called as Maxwell’s equations. This law states that the
electric flux through any closed surface (also knows as Gaussian surface) is
equal to the charge enclosed by that surface divided by the permittivity of free
space Ɛo. This is mathematically expressed as
𝜮𝑸
Ф = 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 .
Ɛ𝒐
The electric flux does not depend on the shape of the enclosing bag you
put around the charge. Also, it does not depend on how large the bag is. If it
happens that the total flux you get is zero, it just means that either there is no
charge inside the bag, or they all cancelled out. The total flux may be positive
or negative depending on the net charge enclosed.

12
 Gauss’s law can be used to calculate the electric field at a point at a given
distance from a charge distribution when the problem presents a high degree
of symmetry. In particular, Gauss’s law simplifies calculation of electric field
when one of the following forms of symmetry is present: (1) spherical, (2)
cylindrical, or (3) flat plane. (Santisteban-Cook and Baguio, 2018).

Exercise 4: Let’s Do the Math!

Young scientist, it’s time to showcase your mathematical skills as! Solve
the following word problems and show your complete process (Given-
Required-Equation-Solution). Box all your final answers.

1) A metal sphere is given charge of -3.0 x 10-6 C and a second sphere a

charge of +2.0 x 10-6 C. The spheres are separated by a distance of 0.010
m.
a. What is the force between them? Is this an attractive or repulsive
force?
b. The spheres are brought into contact with each other. What happens
as a result of this contact? The spheres are again separated by 0.010
m. What is now the force between them? Is this an attractive or
repulsive force?

2) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at point P which
is 30 cm to the right of a point charge Q = -3.0 x 10-6C.
3) A cube with sides measuring 5
cm is placed in an electric field
with magnitude 3 x103 N/C.
a) Calculate the flux in each side
of the six faces of the cube.
b) Calculate the total flux of the
cube.

Exercise 5. Think Critically

This time you will be showcasing your analytical as well as critical
thinking skills as you answer the following questions.
1) What is meant by “action at a distance”?
2) Why do electrical forces dominate between atoms that are close
together?
3) What is an electric field and why is it considered a vector quantity?

III. Reflection
Before you proceed to your next journey, you need to complete the
following prompts:
Stop: I’m totally confused of
______________________________________________________________

Proceed with Caution: I still need some clarification on

______________________________________________________________

Go: I’m ready to move on because I have learned lots of things such as
______________________________________________________________
13
 14
Exercise 1: Let’s Warm Up!
1) When a positive charge and a negative charge (oppositely charged objects)
are placed near each other, they exert attractive forces which enable them to
move towards each other.
2) When two negative charges are placed near each other, they exert repulsive
forces which cause them to move away from each other. The same force is
exerted by two positive charges placed near each other.
3) Repulsive force exits between like charges, while an attractive force exits
between opposite charges.
4) As the rule says, “like charges repel, unlike charges attract.” This gives us the
idea that there is the presence of electric (or electrostatic) force --- a force
that can either be attractive or repulsive.
Exercise 2: Think and Share!
1) As the magnitudes of the objects (or as the magnitudes of the charges)
increase, the electrical force between them also increases.
2) Direct Relationship
3) As the distance between the two objects (or charges) decreases, the electrical
force between them increases). As the distance between the two objects (or
charges) increases, the electrical force between them decreases).
4) Inverse Square Relation (When the distance was doubled, the electrical force
quartered; when the distance was halved, the electrical force quadrupled)
Exercise 3: Visualize and Discuss
1) Due to the charges that A and B carry, they can modify the properties of the
space around them, and they can also sense how the space has been
modified. Charge A was able to alter the region of space surrounding it, and
because of this, charge B was able to experience the force 𝐹⃗0 .
2) Action-at-a-distance force means that the force can still act across empty
space or even in the absence of a physical contact. This type of force is also
known as a field force.
3) Since A is a charged body, it creates an electric field at point P and in all
other points in its neighborhood. If a test charge q0 is placed at point it can
sense the effect of the electric field of A that is 𝐹⃗0 . This 𝐹⃗0 will cause the test
charge to be either attracted to or repelled by charge A. Likewise, since the
test charge is also a charged body, it also therefore creates its own electric
field, which can be felt as well by charge A. The electric field of the test
charge exerts the force -𝐹⃗0 on charge A. This emphasizes the fact that there
is an interaction between two charged bodies --- A is acting upon the test
charge, and the test charge is also acting upon charge A.
4) The electric force on a charged body is exerted by the electric field created
by other charged bodies.
Answer Key IV.
 15
Exercise 4: Let’s Do the Math!
1) (a) Given: Q1 = -3.0 x 10-6 C Req’d: F = ?
Q2 = +2.0 x 10-6 C
r = 0.010 m
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑄1 𝑄2
Eq’n: 𝐹=𝑘 𝑟2
2 (3.0×10−6 𝐶)(2.0×10−6 𝐶)
Sol’n: 𝐹 = (9 × 109 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶 2 ) (0.010𝑚)2
𝑭= 540 N (attractive force)
(b) When the spheres are allowed to touch each other, they will neutralize each
other and share whatever charge remains. The remaining charge is (-3.0 x 10-6
C) + (+2.0 x 10-6 C) = -1.0 x 10-6 C and each sphere will have one half of this
charge. Therefore, the charge in each sphere is -0.50 x 10-6 C.
Given: Q1 = -0.50 x 10-6 C Req’d: F = ?
Q2 = -0.50 x 10-6 C
r = 0.010 m
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑄 𝑄
Eq’n: 𝐹 = 𝑘 𝑟1 2 2
2 (0.50×10−6 𝐶)(0.50×10−6 𝐶)
(0.010𝑚)2
𝐹 = (9 × 109 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶 2 )
𝑭 = 23 N (repulsive force)
 16
2) Given: Q = -3.0 x 10-6 C Req’d: F = ?
r = 0.30 m
k = 9 x 109 Nm2/C2
𝑄
Eq’n: 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑘 𝑟2
2 (3.0×10−6 𝐶)
Sol’n: 𝐸⃗⃗ = (9 × 109 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶 2 ) (0.30𝑚)2
⃗⃗ = 3.0 x 105 N/C
𝑬
The direction of the electric field is toward the charge Q, to the left, since
we defined the direction as that of the force on a positive test charge which here
would be attractive. If Q had been positive, the electric field would have pointed away.
3) Since the sides of the cube have the same area, we only have to calculate
the area of each face once.
𝐴 = 𝑠 2 = (0.05𝑚)2 = 0.0025𝑚2
The side facing us (shaded) is parallel to the electric field so the flux through
it is zero. Specifically, the area vector for this surface is an arrow pointing out of
the paper. This makes an angle of 90° with the electric field, making the electric
flux through that surface zero.
The same thing is true for the side of the cube facing toward the back. This
time, though, the area vector points toward the page, away from the cube. The
top and bottom faces of the cube also have zero electric fluxes. The top face
has an area vector pointing up; the bottom face has an area vector pointing
down.
This leaves us with the left face and the right face of the cube. For the left
face, the area vector points to the left. Since the electric field points to the right,
then the angle θ is 180°. Hence,
Ф𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Ф𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 = (3 × 103 𝑁ൗ𝐶 )(0.0025𝑚2 )𝑐𝑜𝑠180°
2
Ф𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 = −7.5 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶
For the right face, the electric field and the area vector are parallel making θ
= 0°. Hence,
Ф𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Ф𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = (3 × 103 𝑁ൗ𝐶 )(0.0025𝑚2 )𝑐𝑜𝑠0°
2
Ф𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 7.5 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶
For the total flux, add up all the values of Ф for all faces (four faces having
zero electric flux). Hence,
2 2
Ф𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 7.5 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶 + 7.5 𝑁𝑚 ൗ𝐶
Ф𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0
 17
Exercise 5: Think Critically
1) "Action at a distance" refers to the notion of an object exerting a force on a
second object without touching it. The gravitational force and the electric force
are both "action at a distance" forces.
2) Electrical forces are the dominant forces for atomic-sized objects, since the
gravitational forces between tiny objects like protons and electrons are
negligible - it takes a BIG object to exert an appreciable gravitational force!
However, the electrical forces between electrons and protons in close
proximity can be enormous!
3) An electric field is a force field that fills the space around every electric charge
or group of charges. An electric field is a vector quantity because it has both a
magnitude and a direction at every point in space.
V. References
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House, Inc., 2012.

Cutnell, J. D. and Johnson, K. W. Introduction to Physics. Singapore: C & E

Publishing, Inc., 2010

Giancolli, D. C. Physics Principles with Applications. Philippines: Prentice Hall,

2007.

Hewitt, P. G. Conceptual Physics. Singapore: Pearson, Education, Inc., 2005.

Padua, A. L., and Crisostomo, R. M. Practical and Explorational Physics.

Quezon City. Vibal Publishing House, Inc., 2010

Physics Classroom. “Charge Interaction Revisited.” Available at:

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-3/Charge-
Interactions-Revisited [Accessed 15 January 2021].

Physics Classroom. “Coulomb’s Law.” Available at:

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-3/Coulomb-s-
Law [Accessed 15 January 2021].

Santisteban-Cook, C.J. Baguio, S.S. M. Breaking Through General Physics 2

for Senior High School. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc., 2018.

Silverio, A. A. Exploring Life Through Science: Physics. Quezon City: Phoenix

Publishing House, Inc., 2007.

Tillery, B. W. Physical Science. Singapore: WCB McGraw Hill, 1999.

Young, H.D. and Freedman, R.A. Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics
with Modern Physics, 13th Edition. USA: Pearson Education, Inc., 2012.

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