Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 48

magnetic flux - Description

The flow of magnetic influence from the N to S poles of a magnet, or around a current-carrying wire; symbol ?, units Wb (weber). It is the product of magnetic flux density B (sometimes called ‘magnetic field’) and area. B is related to magnetic field intensity H via permeability µ: B = µH.

Magnetic flux, represented by the greek letter phi, is a measure of quantity of magnetism, taking account of the strength and the extent of a magnetic field. The SI unit of magnetic flux is the weber (in derived units: volt-seconds), and the unit of magnetic flux density is the weber per square meter, or tesla.

Description

The flux through an element of area perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field is given by the product of the magnetic field density and the area element. More generally, magnetic flux is defined by a scalar product of the magnetic field density and the area element vector.

User Comments Add a comment…

magnetic moment - Explanation, Magnetic moment in a magnetic field, Magnetic moment of electrons [next]