Gaussian Surface - Common Gaussian Surfaces

Common Gaussian Surfaces

See also: charge density

When performing the closed surface integral, the Gaussian surface (commonly abbreviated G.S. or g.s.) does not necessarily encompass all the charge; i.e., there can be arbitrary charges outside the volume: as mentioned, Q(V) only counts the interior contribution. Furthermore: it is not necessary to choose a Gaussian surface that utilises the symmetry of a situation (as in the examples below) but, obviously the calculations are much less laborious if an appropriate surface is chosen.

Most calculations using Gaussian surfaces begin by implementing Gauss' law (for electricity):

Thereby Q(V) is the electrical charge contained in the interior, V, of the closed surface.

This is Gauss's law, combining both the divergence theorem and Coulomb's law.

Read more about this topic:  Gaussian Surface

Famous quotes containing the words common and/or surfaces:

    This, our respectable daily life, on which the man of common sense, the Englishman of the world, stands so squarely, and on which our institutions are founded, is in fact the veriest illusion, and will vanish like the baseless fabric of a vision; but that faint glimmer of reality which sometimes illuminates the darkness of daylight for all men, reveals something more solid and enduring than adamant, which is in fact the cornerstone of the world.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    But ice-crunching and loud gum-chewing, together with drumming on tables, and whistling the same tune seventy times in succession, because they indicate an indifference on the part of the perpetrator to the rest of the world in general, are not only registered on the delicate surfaces of the brain but eat little holes in it until it finally collapses or blows up.
    Robert Benchley (1889–1945)