Gaussian surface can pass through a continuous charge distribution but not through a discrete one . Why ?
Dear Student,
We know electric field at a point where source charge is located is undefined because at this point r = 0 hence electric field is undefined.
Flux = E.A therefore flux is also not defined.
That is why we say Gaussian surface can not pass through the discrete charge.
But when continuos charge distribution is there, we consider that Gaussian surface is passing in between the charges but not through the charges.
Regards
We know electric field at a point where source charge is located is undefined because at this point r = 0 hence electric field is undefined.
Flux = E.A therefore flux is also not defined.
That is why we say Gaussian surface can not pass through the discrete charge.
But when continuos charge distribution is there, we consider that Gaussian surface is passing in between the charges but not through the charges.
Regards