How can area be a vector? (flux equation)

Thread starter mujadeo
Start date Nov 1, 2007
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Area Vector

AI Thread Summary

Area can be considered a vector because it has both magnitude and direction, with the direction defined by the normal to the surface. This concept is essential in calculating flux, where the area vector is involved in the dot product with the electric field vector. The area vector helps in defining the plane of the surface, which is crucial for understanding how the field interacts with the area. The dot product in the flux equation quantifies the component of the electric field that passes through the area. Understanding this relationship is key to solving problems involving flux in physics.

Nov 1, 2007

mujadeo

Homework Statement

How can area be a vector? ( flux = E-vector dot product A-vector )
?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

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Nov 1, 2007

tyco05

If my memory serves me correctly the area vector's direction is given by the normal to the surface.

It allows for us to define the plane in which the area lies.

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