Which statement is correct?
A)The flux through a closed surface is always positive.
B)The flux through a closed surface is always negative.
C)The sign of the flux through a closed surface depends on an arbitrary choice of sign for the surface vector.
D)Inward flux through a closed surface is negative and outward flux is positive.
E)Inward flux through a closed surface is positive and outward flux is negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Gauss's law, the flux through a closed surface is directly proportional to the charge enclosed within the surface. If the enclosed charge is positive, then the electric field lines will point outward from the enclosed region in all directions, and the flux through the closed surface will also be positive, indicating outward flux. However, if the enclosed charge is negative, then the electric field lines will point inward toward the enclosed region in all directions, and the flux through the closed surface will also be negative, indicating inward flux. Therefore, option D is correct which states that inward flux through a closed surface is negative and outward flux is positive.

Which Statement Is Correct