Question

Consider the charge configuration and a spherical Gaussian surface as shown in the figure. When calculating the flux of the electric field over the spherical surface, the electric field will be due to.

• A. $q_2$
• B. only the positive charges
• C. all the charges
• D. $+q_1$ and $-q_1$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

At any point over the spherical Gaussian surface, net electric field is the vector sum of electric fields due to $+q_1, -q_1$ and $q_2.$
Don't confuse with the electric flux which is zero (net) passing over the Gaussian surface as the net charge enclosing the surface is zero.
Hence, the correct option is (c).