Gauss

Definition

The gauss (G) is a unit of magnetic induction or magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units. One gauss is defined as one maxwell per square centimeter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One gauss is equivalent to $10^{-4}$ teslas in the International System of Units (SI).
2. The Earth's magnetic field at its surface ranges from about 0.25 to 0.65 gauss.
3. Gauss is named after the German mathematician and physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss.
4. A typical fridge magnet has a strength of about 100 gauss.
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines can generate fields up to tens of thousands of gauss.

Review Questions

• How many teslas are equivalent to one gauss?
• What is the typical range of the Earth's magnetic field in gauss?
• Who was the unit 'gauss' named after?

Related terms

Tesla: The tesla (T) is the SI unit for magnetic flux density, where one tesla equals $10^{4}$ gauss.

Magnetic Flux: Magnetic flux quantifies the total magnetic field passing through a given area and is measured in webers (Wb).

Maxwell: The maxwell is the CGS unit for magnetic flux, where one maxwell equals one line of magnetic field.