Question

Maxwell is the unit of ___________.
(A) Permeability
(B) Magnetic flux
(C) Magnetic susceptibility
(D) Intensity of magnetisation

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question, we have been asked the physical quantity whose measurement is given by units of Maxwell. Normally, the units of physical quantities are named after the scientist that has made the largest contribution in the field of study of the physical quantity, for example, the unit of force is the newton, named after the scientist Isaac Newton for his great contribution in the field of classical mechanics. Let’s proceed with finding the answer to the question at hand.

Complete step by step solution:
The unit Maxwell describes the physical quantity of magnetic flux. It is the CGS (centimetre, gram and second) unit of the magnetic flux and is named after James Clerk Maxwell in honour of his unified theory of electromagnetism. Magnetic flux is defined as the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given surface; it gives a measurement of the magnetic field through the surface in consideration. One Maxwell is defined as the total flux across a surface of one square centimetre, the surface being as an angle of ninety degrees to the magnetic field having strength or magnetic intensity of one gauss.

Therefore, based on the above discussion, we can say that option (B) is the correct answer to the given question.

Note:
While the CGS unit of magnetic flux is Maxwell, the SI or the standard unit of magnetic flux is weber. Weber is a larger unit as compared to Maxwell. You should be aware of the fact that if the unit is written out in its full form, it is not capitalized; whereas when the unit is shortened and its symbol is written, it is capitalized.