Tesla (T)

Tesla (T) is the SI unit of magnetic flux density, named after inventor Nikola Tesla. It quantifies the strength of a magnetic field and is defined as one weber per square meter (1 T = 1 Wb/m²). Tesla is the standard unit for magnetic flux density in scientific, industrial, and medical applications.

Tesla vs. Other Magnetic Units

Tesla is the SI unit for magnetic flux density and relates to other units as follows:

• 1 T = 10,000 Gauss

• 1 T = 1 Wb/m² (weber per square meter)

The Gauss, from the CGS system, is still used in geophysics and lab settings, while Tesla is preferred for stronger magnetic fields in engineering and research.

Formulas for Magnetic Flux Density

Magnetic flux density B can be calculated using:

B = Φ / A

where:

• B = magnetic flux density (T)

• Φ = magnetic flux (Wb)

• A = cross-sectional area (m²)

Electromagnetic Induction

According to Faraday’s law, a time-varying magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF):

ε = –N × (dΦ/dt)

where:

• ε = induced EMF (V)

• N = number of turns in the coil

• dΦ/dt = rate of change of magnetic flux (Wb/s)

The magnitude of B (in tesla) directly affects the induced voltage in electromagnetic systems.

Example Calculation

A magnetic field of 0.5 T across an area of 0.1 m² results in:

Φ = B × A = 0.5 T × 0.1 m² = 0.05 Wb

Applications of Tesla

• Electrical Engineering: Core parameter in transformers, motors, and generators

• Medical Technology: Key unit in MRI systems using strong magnetic fields

• Particle Physics: Used to guide charged particles in accelerators

• Materials Science: Characterizes magnetic behavior of materials and magnets

• Astronomy: Measures magnetic fields of planets, stars, and galaxies

• Telecommunications: Optimizes electromagnetic components and antenna design