Right hand thumb rule and magnetic flux/density

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the right hand thumb rule and the concept of magnetic flux density. It is mentioned that the picture on the right is correct, with the magnetic field lines being directed clockwise when viewed from the top down. The second question addresses the difference between magnetic flux and magnetic flux density, with the latter being defined as the former divided by the area being considered.
  • #1
DiamondV
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0

Homework Statement


We were given two diagrams in our notes about the right hand thumb rule.
672d1a5d76.jpg
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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Is the second image(one on the right) wrong? Isnt the magnetic flux density supposed to be clockwise in second image?
Also is this statement correct: Magnetic flux density is the amount of magnetic flux lines passing through an area.?
 
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  • #2
The picture on the right is correct and, viewed from the top down, the magnetic lines are directed clockwise. Pay close attention to where the lines go behind the wire versus in front.

Regarding the second question, usually that's just called the magnetic flux, though I think some authors may refer to the same thing as the magnetic flux density. Also, "the number of field lines passing through an area" is an integer, while the actual flux can be any real number. The description in terms of number of lines passing through is really just a way to understand conceptually how the flux behaves - the larger the number of lines passing through a given area, the stronger the flux. We can say that the actual magnetic flux is proportional to the number of field lines passing through an area.

EDIT: I did a little searching and found that the magnetic flux density is defined as the magnetic flux divided by the area being considered.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
It's the field lines that are directed clockwise in the right figure, not the flux or the flux density. The magnetic field is a vector, whereas the magnetic flux and flux densities are just numbers!
 

Related to Right hand thumb rule and magnetic flux/density

1. What is the right hand thumb rule?

The right hand thumb rule is a visual aid used to determine the direction of a magnetic field in relation to the direction of the current flow in a wire. It states that if you point your right thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.

2. How is the right hand thumb rule used in relation to magnetic flux?

The right hand thumb rule can also be used to determine the direction of the magnetic flux lines around a current-carrying wire. If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic flux lines.

3. What is magnetic flux density?

Magnetic flux density, also known as magnetic field strength, is a measure of the strength of a magnetic field. It is defined as the amount of magnetic flux passing through a unit area perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.

4. How does the right hand thumb rule relate to magnetic flux density?

The right hand thumb rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic flux density at a specific point in a magnetic field. If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic flux density at that point.

5. Can the right hand thumb rule be used for any type of current?

Yes, the right hand thumb rule can be used for both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). It is a general rule that applies to any type of current flow.

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