magnetic flux
Quick Summary
Magnetic flux is a measure of the magnetic field lines passing through a given area. It is represented by the Greek letter phi ((\Phi)) and is measured in webers (Wb). Faraday's law of induction states that a changing magnetic flux through a circuit induces an electromotive force (voltage) in that circuit. The magnitude of this induced voltage is directly proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux. This principle is fundamental to how electric generators and transformers work.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- magnetic field
…continuous lines of force or magnetic flux that emerge from north-seeking magnetic poles and enter south-seeking magnetic poles. The density of the lines indicates the magnitude of the magnetic field. At the poles of a magnet, for example, where the magnetic field is strong, the field lines are crowded together,…
Read More…continuous lines of force or magnetic flux that emerge from north-seeking magnetic poles and enter south-seeking magnetic poles. The density of the lines indicates the magnitude of the magnetic field. At the poles of a magnet, for example, where the magnetic field is strong, the field lines are crowded together,…
Read More
geomagnetic fieldCharacteristics of Earth’s magnetic field…as shown in the diagram, magnetic field lines leave the north pole of the magnet and curve around until they cross Earth’s Equator pointing geographically northward. They curve still more reentering Earth in northern latitudes, finally returning to the south pole of the magnet. At the present time, the north…
Read More…as shown in the diagram, magnetic field lines leave the north pole of the magnet and curve around until they cross Earth’s Equator pointing geographically northward. They curve still more reentering Earth in northern latitudes, finally returning to the south pole of the magnet. At the present time, the north…
Read More
geomagnetic fieldMagnetohydrodynamic waves—magnetic pulsationsWithin the magnetosphere each magnetic field line has a characteristic frequency of oscillation determined by its length, the strength of the field along it, and the mass of the particles attached to it. If the waves entering the magnetosphere have the same frequency as the field line, they force…
Read MoreWithin the magnetosphere each magnetic field line has a characteristic frequency of oscillation determined by its length, the strength of the field along it, and the mass of the particles attached to it. If the waves entering the magnetosphere have the same frequency as the field line, they force…
Read More




