Define gravitational flux in analogy to electric flux. How does gravitational flux differ from electric flux?

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Strategy Lead

Gravitational flux is a measure of the amount of gravitational field passing through a given area, just as electric flux is a measure of the amount of electric field passing through a given area. It is similar to electric flux in that it is a measure of the strength of the field at a point, and is calculated by taking the dot product of the field vector and the area vector.

However, gravitational flux differs from the electric flux in a few key ways.

  • Firstly, while electric fields can be both positive and negative, gravitational fields are always attractive, meaning that they are always directed towards the source of the field.
  • This means that the gravitational flux through a closed surface is always negative, while the electric flux can be either positive or negative.
  • Another key difference is that while electric fields are generated by charges, gravitational fields are generated by masses.
  • This means that the gravitational flux through a given area is dependent on the mass of the object generating the field, as well as the distance between the object and the area.

Gravitational Flux = \(\overrightarrow{g}.\overrightarrow{A}\)

Electric flux = \(\overrightarrow{E}.\overrightarrow{A}\)

Magnetic flux\(\overrightarrow{B}.\overrightarrow{A}\)

Both gravitational flux and electric flux have similar formulas. They are measures of the strength of a field passing through a given area. Gravitational flux is always negative and depends on the mass of the object generating the field. The electric flux can be positive or negative and depends on the charges generating the field.

Read More:

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    Four long straight thin wires are held vertically at the corners A, B, C and D of a square of side \( a \), kept on a table and carry equal current \( I \). The wire at A carries current in upward direction whereas the current in the remaining wires flows in downward direction. The net magnetic field at the centre of the square will have the magnitude:

      • \( \dfrac{\mu_0 I}{\pi a} \) and directed along OC
      • \( \dfrac{\mu_0 I}{\pi a \sqrt{2}} \) and directed along OD
      • \( \dfrac{\mu_0 I \sqrt{2}}{\pi a} \) and directed along OB
      • \( \dfrac{2\mu_0 I}{\pi a} \) and directed along OA

    • 2.
      Assertion : In Young’s double-slit experiment, the fringe width for dark and bright fringes is the same. Reason (R): Fringe width is given by \( \beta = \frac{\lambda D}{d} \), where symbols have their usual meanings.

        • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
        • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
        • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
        • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

      • 3.
        The figure represents the variation of the electric potential \( V \) at a point in a region of space as a function of its position along the x-axis. A charged particle will experience the maximum force at:

          • P
          • Q
          • R
          • S

        • 4.

          The electric potential (V ) and electric field (⃗ E) are closely related concepts in electrostatics. The electric field is a vector quantity that represents the

            • Production of AC is economical.
            • AC can be easily and efficiently converted from one voltage to another.
            • AC can be transmitted economically over long distances.
            • AC is less dangerous.

          • 5.
            Assertion : Induced emf produced in a coil will be more when the magnetic flux linked with the coil is more. Reason (R): Induced emf produced is directly proportional to the magnetic flux.

              • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
              • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
              • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
              • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

            • 6.
              Consider a cylindrical conductor of length \( l \) and area of cross-section \( A \). Current \( I \) is maintained in the conductor and electrons drift with velocity \( \vec{v}_d \, (|\vec{v}_d| = \frac{eE}{m} \tau) \), where symbols have their usual meanings. Show that the conductivity of the material of the conductor is given by \[ \sigma = \frac{n e^2 \tau}{m}. \]

                CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                Comments


                No Comments To Show