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Energy flux

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(Redirected from Energy flux density)

Energy flux is the rate of transfer of energy through a surface. The quantity is defined in two different ways, depending on the context:

  1. Total rate of energy transfer (not per unit area);[1] SI units: W = J⋅s−1.
  2. Specific rate of energy transfer (total normalized per unit area); [2] SI units: W⋅m−2 = J⋅m−2⋅s−1:
    • This is a vector quantity, its components being determined in terms of the normal (perpendicular) direction to the surface of measurement.
    • This is sometimes called energy flux density, to distinguish it from the first definition.
    • Radiative flux, heat flux, and sound energy flux are specific cases of this meaning.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Solar Physics Glossary". Nasa. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
  2. ^ "Energy flux". Retrieved 2008-12-24.