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The arrangement of charges is shown in the figure. The flux linked with the closed surfaces P and Q respectively is ____ and ____.

Asked in GUJCET 2017 · Gauss's law and enclosed charge

Figure: Gauss's law and enclosed charge
Answer: (3) -q/(ε₀), q/(ε₀)

Step-by-step solution

Idea: Gauss's law, φ=(qᵢₙ)/(ε₀). Only the charge inside a closed surface counts; a charge outside sends in exactly as many field lines as it takes out.

Surface P encloses only -q; the +2q beside it is outside.

φ_P=(-q)/(ε₀)=-q/(ε₀)

Surface Q encloses only +q; the -q beside it is outside.

φ_Q=(+q)/(ε₀)=q/(ε₀)

So the fluxes are -q/(ε₀) and q/(ε₀).

Why the other options are wrong

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