CONCEPTS AT A GLANCE The electric field and the surface through which it passes are brought together to define the concept of electric flux. It is in terms of electric flux that Gauss law is formulated. When the electric field is produced by a distribution of charges, such as that on the silvery metal sphere in the photograph, Gauss law relates the electric flux to the charge. ( Charles D. Winters/Photo Researchers)

Figure 18.32 CONCEPTS AT A GLANCE The electric field and the surface through which it passes are brought together to define the concept of electric flux. It is in terms of electric flux that Gauss’ law is formulated. When the electric field is produced by a distribution of charges, such as that on the silvery metal sphere in the photograph, Gauss’ law relates the electric flux to the charge. (© Charles D. Winters/Photo Researchers)