Energy flux is the rate of transfer of energy through a surface. The quantity is defined in two different ways, depending on the context:
- Rate of energy transfer per unit area. (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 second definition.
- Radiative flux, heat flux, and sound energy flux are specific cases of energy flux density.
- Total rate of energy transfer. (SI units: W = J·s−1)
- This is sometimes informally called energy current.
Read more about Energy Flux: See Also
Famous quotes containing the words energy and/or flux:
“In the west, Apollo and Dionysus strive for victory. Apollo makes the boundary lines that are civilization but that lead to convention, constraint, oppression. Dionysus is energy unbound, mad, callous, destructive, wasteful. Apollo is law, history, tradition, the dignity and safety of custom and form. Dionysus is the new, exhilarating but rude, sweeping all away to begin again. Apollo is a tyrant, Dionysus is a vandal.”
—Camille Paglia (b. 1947)
“Beauty is our weapon against nature; by it we make objects, giving them limit, symmetry, proportion. Beauty halts and freezes the melting flux of nature.”
—Camille Paglia (b. 1947)