Common Gaussian Surfaces
See also: charge densityWhen 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:
“It is a common accident for men camping in the woods to be killed by a falling tree.”
—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)