Where does the Symbol B for Magnetic Flux Density Come From?

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SUMMARY

The symbol "B" for Magnetic Flux Density originates from James Clerk Maxwell's 1873 treatise, where he used the German script "B" to denote "magnetic induction." Although Maxwell did not explicitly state the reason for this choice, historical references suggest a connection to earlier physicists such as Faraday and Ampere. The use of "B" may have been influenced by the need for distinct symbols that were not already in use in the field of electromagnetism. The SI unit of magnetic flux, the weber (wb), was established later and is unrelated to the designation of "B."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electromagnetism concepts
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's equations
  • Knowledge of historical figures in physics, particularly Faraday and Ampere
  • Basic understanding of SI units and their significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical context of Maxwell's treatise from 1873
  • Investigate the contributions of Michael Faraday to electromagnetism
  • Explore the significance of the weber (wb) as a unit of magnetic flux
  • Examine the development of notation in physics and its historical implications
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the historical development of electromagnetic theory and notation.

thebigcheese
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In physics we are learning about Magnetic fiex densities and have been taught that that the symbol for Magnetic flux density is B, however I cannot find where this letter comes from.

I know 'I' came about because they fought it was the 'intensity' of current and didnt know any different.

However if anyone can shed any light about where or what B stood for I would be very grateful.
 
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That is an interesting question to research historically.
In Maxwell's treatise (1873), he used the German script B for
what he called "magnetic induction" and the German script H for what he called "magnetic force". I consider both terms archaic today.
He does not indicate why he uses B and H, but gives a reference
(with no details) to Sir William Thomson.
You would have to go back to before Maxwell to find out who and why chose B (or H). Try researching Faraday or Ampere.
 
umm...hi

I'm currently a physics student in 11th grade. My teacher would give us extra credit if we find out why "B" is used for Magnetic Field strength. I've been looking for it for hours and I'm completely stumped. I'm beginning to believe there is no reason. Pretty cruel joke...
 
Your teacher probably knows the answer. Please post it here when he tells you. You could try going to the library and looking through biographies of Faraday and Amper.
 
Still no answer. Looking it up I have found another magnetic thingy is 'wb' prehaps they just dropped the w?
 
"wb" (abbreviation for "weber") is the SI unit of magnetic flux, which nowadays has the symbol \Phi or \Phi_B. It's named after the German physicist Wilhelm Weber.
 
thebigcheese said:
Still no answer. Looking it up I have found another magnetic thingy is 'wb' prehaps they just dropped the w?
The "Weber" was chosen as a unit 100 years after Maxwell used B for Magnetic field. You might try looking in a German or Latin dictionary.
 
B (and H) may have been the first letters alphabetically that weren't in use when Maxwell was writing his equations. Just a guess.
 

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