Question:medium

A charge $Q\mu\text{C}$ is placed at the centre of a cube. The flux through two opposite faces of the cube is ($\varepsilon_0 = $ permittivity of free space)}

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Flux through $n$ faces of a symmetric $N$-faced polyhedral with central charge $= \frac{n}{N} \frac{Q}{\varepsilon_0}$.
Updated On: May 7, 2026
  • $\frac{Q}{6\varepsilon_0}$
  • $\frac{Q}{3\varepsilon_0}$
  • $\frac{Q}{\varepsilon_0}$
  • $\frac{Q}{2\varepsilon_0}$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
According to Gauss's Law, the total electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the net charge enclosed by the surface divided by the permittivity of free space ($\varepsilon_0$).
A cube has six identical square faces. Due to the symmetrical placement of the charge at the center, the flux is distributed equally among all six faces.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Gauss's Law for total flux $\Phi_{\text{total}}$: \[ \Phi_{\text{total}} = \frac{q_{\text{enclosed}}}{\varepsilon_0} \] Flux through one face of a symmetrical cube: \[ \Phi_{\text{one face}} = \frac{\Phi_{\text{total}}}{6} \] Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The charge placed at the center of the cube is $q_{\text{enclosed}} = Q$ (ignoring the micro prefix as the options only present $Q$, effectively treating $Q$ as the variable representing the charge magnitude).
The total flux passing through all six faces of the cube is: \[ \Phi_{\text{total}} = \frac{Q}{\varepsilon_0} \] Because the charge is exactly at the center, the electric field is symmetric with respect to all six faces. The flux passing through any single face is one-sixth of the total flux: \[ \Phi_{\text{one face}} = \frac{1}{6} \left( \frac{Q}{\varepsilon_0} \right) = \frac{Q}{6\varepsilon_0} \] The question asks for the flux through two opposite faces of the cube. The flux through two faces will simply be twice the flux through one face: \[ \Phi_{\text{two faces}} = 2 \times \Phi_{\text{one face}} \] \[ \Phi_{\text{two faces}} = 2 \times \left( \frac{Q}{6\varepsilon_0} \right) \] \[ \Phi_{\text{two faces}} = \frac{Q}{3\varepsilon_0} \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The flux through two opposite faces is $\frac{Q}{3\varepsilon_0}$.
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