Choose the correct alternative from the following:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Gauss law includes the sum of all charges enclosed by the surface for calculation of electric flux through the surface.

Gauss's law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is \( \frac{q}{\varepsilon_0} \), where q is the total charge enclosed by the surface.

Option (1) Gauss law is true for any open surface. — Incorrect. The law applies to a closed surface only.

Option (2) Gauss law includes the sum of all charges enclosed by the surface — Correct. The charge q is the algebraic sum of all the charges inside the surface, wherever they are inside.

Option (3) Gauss law can be used to calculate the magnetic field due to steady current. — Incorrect. Gauss's law is a law of the electric field. The magnetic field of a steady current is found with the Biot–Savart law or Ampere's circuital law.

Option (4) Gauss law is not based on the inverse square dependence on distance contained in the Coulomb's law. — Incorrect. It is based on the inverse square dependence of Coulomb's law.

NCERT (2026-27):
Gauss’s Law – “… (i) Gauss’s law is true for any closed surface, no matter what its shape or size. (ii) The term q on the right side of Gauss’s law, Eq. (1.31), includes the sum of all charges enclosed by the surface. … (vi) Finally, Gauss’s law is based on the inverse square dependence on distance contained in the Coulomb’s law.”