Class 12 > Unit # 18:Magnetic Fields > Magnetic Flux and Magnetic Flux Density


 

Magnetic Flux and Magnetic Flux Density - Talha's Physics Academy

Talha's Physics Academy

Electromagnetism - Magnetic Flux and Flux Density

Q. Explain the term magnetic flux and magnetic flux density.

Magnetic Flux

"The total number of magnetic lines of induction passing normally through a given surface is called magnetic flux."

The magnetic flux ($\Delta\Phi_m$) depends upon the following factors:

  1. Magnetic field of induction ($B$): The stronger the magnetic field, the greater will be the flux passing through the surface:
    $\Delta\Phi_m \propto B$
  2. Area of the surface ($\Delta A$): The greater the surface area, the more magnetic field lines will pass through it:
    $\Delta\Phi_m \propto \Delta A$
  3. Cosine of the angle ($\theta$) between $\vec{B}$ and $\Delta\vec{A}$: The orientation of the surface relative to the field lines determines how many lines pass through:
    $\Delta\Phi_m \propto \cos\theta$

By combining these factors, we get:

$\Delta\Phi_m = B \Delta A \cos\theta \quad \text{--- (1)}$

Vectorially, magnetic flux is expressed as the dot product of the magnetic field vector and the area vector:

$\Delta\Phi_m = \vec{B} \cdot \Delta\vec{A}$

Its SI unit is the Weber ($\text{Wb}$).

Special Cases for Magnetic Flux

  • (a) When $\theta = 0^\circ$: The surface is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines (area vector is parallel to the field):
    $\Delta\Phi_m = B \Delta A \cos(0^\circ) = B \Delta A \times 1 = B \Delta A \quad \text{(Maximum Flux)}$
  • (b) When $\theta = 90^\circ$: The surface is parallel to the magnetic field lines (area vector is perpendicular to the field):
    $\Delta\Phi_m = B \Delta A \cos(90^\circ) = B \Delta A \times 0 = 0 \quad \text{(Zero Flux)}$

Magnetic Flux Density

"Magnetic flux per unit area passing normally through a surface is called magnetic flux density ($B$)."

Mathematically, flux density is defined as:

$B = \frac{\Delta\Phi_m}{\Delta A}$

Its SI unit is Weber per square meter ($\text{Wb/m}^2$), which is commonly known as the Tesla ($\text{T}$).

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