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Suppose we have a stationary positive charge at a point in space that we call $+Q$. We know by definition that the flow of the electrostatic field is given by, in its simplified form,

$$\Phi_S(\vec E)=\vec E \cdot \vec S=ES\cos \alpha=+k_e\frac{Q}{r^2}S\cos \alpha$$

where $S$ is the Gaussian surface and $\alpha$ is the angle formed between the electric field lines and the surface vector $\vec S=S\hat{\bf n}$. Suppose that $N$ are the lines of force of the electrostatic field coming out of the charge $+Q$. How do I prove that

$$\Phi_S(\vec E)=+k_e\frac{Q}{r^2}S\cos \alpha\color{red}{=KN}\iff \Phi_S(\vec E) \propto N$$ where $K$ is a constant of proportionality?

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  • $\begingroup$ The notion of "number" of field lines being equal to flux is an intuitive visualization. You may as well ask what is the number of points that constitute an interval. Related. $\endgroup$
    – Kurt G.
    Commented Aug 15, 2023 at 19:57
  • $\begingroup$ @KurtG. In what sense I may as well ask what is the number of points that constitute an interval? $\endgroup$
    – Sebastiano
    Commented Aug 16, 2023 at 10:38
  • $\begingroup$ Flux is the integral of the scalar $\vec{E}\cdot\mathbf{n}$ over a surface. Replace scalar by a function on an interval and integrate. Nowhere do we need the notion of "number" of lines of $\vec{E}$, nor the notion of how many points $x$ constitute your interval. $\endgroup$
    – Kurt G.
    Commented Aug 16, 2023 at 11:25
  • $\begingroup$ @KurtG. Could you please give me an example by giving me an answer? But then is the notion of flow with lines of force a postulate? Thk. $\endgroup$
    – Sebastiano
    Commented Aug 16, 2023 at 11:28
  • $\begingroup$ I said 15 hours ago it is an intuitive visualization. Did you read that? $\endgroup$
    – Kurt G.
    Commented Aug 16, 2023 at 11:43

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