Gauss’s Law

Abstract

In the previous chapter, we learned how to calculate electric fields produced by systems of point charges and by the continuous distribution of charges. These involved vector sums and integrals. These integrals can sometimes be very complex and difficult. However, there is a very powerful and elegant technique for calculating electric field. Known as Gauss’s law, this method can be used in symmetrical charge distributions and it yields results very quickly. Although it may seem a bit abstract, learning this method will develop your ability to think mathematically.