Flux density and Divergence of Electric field

In summary, flux density of an electric field, or electric flux density, is a measure of the strength of an electric field at a particular point. It is directly proportional to the electric field strength and is measured in volts per meter (V/m). The divergence of an electric field, represented by ∇ ⋅ E, is a measure of how much the electric field is spreading out or diverging at a particular point and is measured in volts per meter squared (V/m²). These concepts are related through Gauss's law and are important in understanding the behavior of electric fields in electromagnetics and electrical engineering.
  • #1
Shreya
188
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Homework Statement
Is flux density same as divergence of electric field
Relevant Equations
Div E = (lim as V tends to zero) of (1/V) E*dS
V is volume
I think Flux density is flux/Volume.
Or is it flux/ Area
Please be kind to help
 
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  • #2
Divergence is defined as flux per unit volume.
 
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Likes Shreya
  • #3
Thanks a lot, Gordianus!
Gordianus said:
Divergence is defined as flux per unit volume
I think flux density is electric field / unit area vector...
So flux density and divergence of E are different,right?
 
Last edited:

1. What is flux density of an electric field?

Flux density of an electric field, also known as electric flux density or electric displacement, is a measure of the strength of an electric field at a specific point. It is represented by the symbol D and is measured in units of coulombs per square meter (C/m^2).

2. How is flux density related to electric field strength?

Flux density is directly proportional to electric field strength. This means that as the strength of the electric field increases, so does the flux density. The relationship between the two is given by the equation D = ε0E, where ε0 is the permittivity of free space and E is the electric field strength.

3. What is the divergence of an electric field?

The divergence of an electric field is a measure of how much the electric field is spreading out or converging at a specific point. It is represented by the symbol ∇ · E and is a scalar quantity. A positive divergence indicates that the electric field is spreading out, while a negative divergence indicates that the electric field is converging.

4. How is the divergence of an electric field related to electric charge?

The divergence of an electric field is directly proportional to the electric charge density at a specific point. This means that as the amount of electric charge increases, so does the divergence of the electric field. The relationship between the two is given by the equation ∇ · E = ρ/ε0, where ρ is the electric charge density and ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

5. What is the significance of flux density and divergence in understanding electric fields?

Flux density and divergence are important concepts in understanding electric fields because they help us visualize and quantify the strength and behavior of electric fields. Flux density allows us to measure the strength of an electric field at a specific point, while divergence helps us understand how the electric field is spreading out or converging. Together, these concepts provide valuable information for studying and analyzing electric fields in various applications.

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