The figure shows three point charges +2q, −q and +3q. Two charges +2q and −q are enclosed within a surface S. What is the electric flux due to this configuration through the surface S?
Answer:ϕ=ε0q (net enclosed charge =+2q−q=+q).
Solution
By Gauss's law the flux through S depends only on the charge enclosed by S. The enclosed charges are +2q and −q, giving net charge +q; the charge +3q lies outside S and contributes nothing. Hence ϕ=ε0+q.