Electromagnetic Theory Questions and Answers – Applications of Gauss Law

This set of Electromagnetic Theory Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Applications of Gauss Law”.

1. Gauss law can be used to compute which of the following?
a) Permittivity
b) Permeability
c) Radius of Gaussian surface
d) Electric potential
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: Gauss law relates the electric flux density and the charge density. Thus it can be used to compute radius of the Gaussian surface. Permittivity and permeability are constants for a particular material.

2. Three charged cylindrical sheets are present in three spaces with σ = 5 at R = 2m, σ = -2 at R = 4m and σ = -3 at R = 5m. Find the flux density at R = 1m.
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Since 1m does not enclose any cylinder (three Gaussian surfaces of radius 2m, 4m, 5m exists), the charge density and charge becomes zero according to Gauss law. Thus flux density is also zero.

3. Three charged cylindrical sheets are present in three spaces with σ = 5 at R = 2m, σ = -2 at R = 4m and σ = -3 at R = 5m. Find the flux density at R = 3m.
a) 3
b) 10/3
c) 11/3
d) 4
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The radius is 3m, hence it will enclose one Gaussian cylinder of R = 2m.
By Gauss law, ψ = Q
D(2πRL) = σ(2πRL), D(2π X 3) = σ(2π X 2), Thus D = 10/3 units.
advertisement
advertisement

4. Three charged cylindrical sheets are present in three spaces with σ = 5 at R = 2m, σ = -2 at R = 4m and σ =-3 at R = 5m. Find the flux density at R = 4.5m.
a) 4/4.5
b) 3/4.5
c) 2/4.5
d) 1/4.5
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The Gaussian cylinder of R = 4.5m encloses sum of charges of two cylinders (R = 2m and R = 4m).
By Gauss law, ψ = Q
D(2πRL) = σ(2πRL), D(2π X 4.5) = Q1 + Q2 = σ1(2π X 2) + σ2(2π X 4), here σ1 = 5 and σ2 = -2. We get D = 2/4.5 units.

5. Three charged cylindrical sheets are present in three spaces with σ = 5 at R = 2m, σ = -2 at R = 4m and σ = -3 at R = 5m. Find the flux density at R = 6m.
a) 17/6
b) -17/6
c) 13/6
d) -13/6
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The radius R = 6m encloses all the three Gaussian cylinders.
By Gauss law, ψ = Q
D(2πRL) = σ(2πRL), D(2π X 6) = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = σ1(2π X 2) + σ2(2π X 4) + σ3(2π X 5), here σ1 = 5, σ2 = -2 and σ3 = -3. We get D = -13/6 units.
Sanfoundry Certification Contest of the Month is Live. 100+ Subjects. Participate Now!

6. Gauss law can be evaluated in which coordinate system?
a) Cartesian
b) Cylinder
c) Spherical
d) Depends on the Gaussian surface
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The Gauss law exists for all materials. Depending on the Gaussian surface of the material, we take the coordinate systems accordingly. Suppose if the material is a coaxial cable, the Gaussian surface is in the form of cylinder. Thus we take Cylinder/Circular coordinate system.

7. Gauss law cannot be expressed in which of the following forms?
a) Differential
b) Integral
c) Point
d) Stokes theorem
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Gauss law can be expressed in differential or point form as,
Div (D)= ρv and in integral form as ∫∫ D.ds = Q = ψ . It is not possible to express it using Stoke’s theorem.
advertisement

8. The tangential component of electric field intensity is always continuous at the interface. State True/False.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Consider a dielectric-dielectric boundary, the electric field intensity in both the surfaces will be Et1 = Et2, which implies that the tangential component of electric field intensity is always continuous at the boundary.

9. The normal component of the electric flux density is always discontinuous at the interface. State True/False.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In a dielectric-dielectric boundary, if a free surface charge density exists at the interface, then the normal components of the electric flux density are discontinuous at the boundary, which means Dn1 = Dn2.
advertisement

10. With Gauss law as reference which of the following law can be derived?
a) Ampere law
b) Faraday’s law
c) Coulomb’s law
d) Ohm’s law
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: From Gauss law, we can compute the electric flux density. This in turn can be used to find electric field intensity. We know that F = qE. Hence force can be computed. This gives the Coulomb’s law.

Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Electromagnetic Theory.
To practice all areas of Electromagnetic Theory, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.

If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]

advertisement
advertisement
Subscribe to our Newsletters (Subject-wise). Participate in the Sanfoundry Certification contest to get free Certificate of Merit. Join our social networks below and stay updated with latest contests, videos, internships and jobs!

Youtube | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Manish Bhojasia - Founder & CTO at Sanfoundry
Manish Bhojasia, a technology veteran with 20+ years @ Cisco & Wipro, is Founder and CTO at Sanfoundry. He lives in Bangalore, and focuses on development of Linux Kernel, SAN Technologies, Advanced C, Data Structures & Alogrithms. Stay connected with him at LinkedIn.

Subscribe to his free Masterclasses at Youtube & discussions at Telegram SanfoundryClasses.