Gauss' Law

[sleepygrlgreen]

I was surfing the net and I came across this experiment that has to do with Gauss' laws and I really didn't get it. If somebody could explain to me how this happens, it'd be greatly appreciated.

A radio is placed in a cage. A flourescent light is placed next to the cage with the radio in it. Result? Perfect reception.

What I think is that it has to do with the light exciting the electrons in the metal, but after that...I'm not too sure. Any explanations would be helpful.

[Alan Rupp]

Well, the only thing I remember from Gauss' Law is that it's the electrical flux through a closed surface.

From the sound of this experiment, I'm not so sure how it relates.

It could be related to Gauss' Theorem (or the Divergence Theorem if you've taken multivariable calculus) in which an electric field (presumably created by the flourescent lamp?) causes the flow of electrons and assists the radio? Now, I can't exactly explain that and I'm definitely reaching, but that's about as far as I can guess. I don't see how creating an electric current would cause the radio to have better reception, or even how the excited electrons would help the radio.

It's interesting though. I'll think about it and get back to you.

[sleepygrlgreen]

Ah, great. Thanks!