Definition:Magnetic Flux Density

Definition

Magnetic flux density is the force exerted on a test charge perpendicular to its velocity through a magnetic field.

Hence it is a measure of the intensity of that magnetic field.

Symbol

The usual symbol used to denote magnetic flux density is $\mathbf B$.

Dimension

Magnetic flux density has the dimension $\mathsf {M T^{-2} I^{-1} }$.

Units

The SI unit of magnetic flux density is the tesla $\mathrm T$.

In the CGS unrationalised electromagnetic system, the unit of magnetic flux density is the gauss $\mathrm {Gs}$.

Conversion Factors

\(\ds \)

\(\)

\(\ds 1\)

tesla

\(\ds \)

\(=\)

\(\ds 10^4\)

gauss (or e.m.u. of magnetic flux density)

\(\ds \)

\(\approx\)

\(\ds \dfrac 1 3 \times 10^{-6}\)

e.s.u. of magnetic flux density

Also see

• Definition:Magnetic Field Strength

• Results about magnetic flux density can be found here.

Sources

• 1969: J.C. Anderson, D.M. Hum, B.G. Neal and J.H. Whitelaw: Data and Formulae for Engineering Students (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $1.$ Units and Abbreviations: $1.2$ SI units $(2)$ Derived units
• 1976: Ralph J. Smith: Circuits, Devices and Systems (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Electrical Quantities: Definitions and Laws: Definitions: Table $1$-$2$: Important Derived Quantities