What is the Difference Between Magnetic Flux and Magnetic Flux Density?

Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density are related concepts in electromagnetism, but they have distinct meanings:

• Magnetic Flux: This is a measurement of the total number of magnetic field lines passing through a given area. It is represented by the Greek letter ϕ and has no direction, making it a scalar quantity.
• Magnetic Flux Density: Also known as magnetic field strength, this is a measurement of the density of magnetic field lines. It is represented by the symbol B and is another name for the magnetic field strength. Magnetic flux density is a vector quantity, with a magnitude and direction.

The relationship between magnetic flux and magnetic flux density is given by the formula:

$$\phi = B_{||}A = BA\cos{\theta}$$

where:

• $$\phi$$ is the magnetic flux
• $$B_{||}$$ is the component of the magnetic field strength parallel to the surface
• $$A$$ is the area of the surface
• $$\theta$$ is the angle between the magnetic field lines and the normal of the surface

In summary, magnetic flux is a measure of the total magnetic field lines passing through an area, while magnetic flux density is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field lines in a given area.

Comparative Table: Magnetic Flux vs Magnetic Flux Density

Magnetic flux and magnetic flux density are two phenomena encountered in electromagnetic field theory. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:

In summary, magnetic flux is the total quantity of magnetism passing through a given area, while magnetic flux density is the amount of magnetic flux through a unit area placed normal to the magnetic field. The main difference between these two concepts is that magnetic flux is a scalar quantity, whereas magnetic flux density is a vector quantity.