What is electric flux? Write its S.I. units. Using Gauss's theorem, deduce an expression for the electric field at a point due to a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet.
Solution
Electric flux is the number of field lines crossing a surface normally:
ϕ=E⋅ΔS,S.I. unit N m2C−1
Take a cylindrical pillbox of face area A piercing the sheet symmetrically; the field is normal and equal on both faces:
2EA=ε0σA
E=2ε0σ
directed away from the sheet and independent of distance.