Confusion between H and B



Confusion between H and B - in the literature there is some confusion between quantities of H and B.

Both H and B are strictly defined in terms of measurement units as well as their physical meaning.

However, in literature these terms are referred to by various names, and sometimes even with implied incorrect meaning. For instance, H can be referred to as "magnetic field" , "applied field" or "auxiliary field". But also B might be called as "magnetic field" or "auxiliary field". There are several reasons why such confusions could have arisen.

Historic interpretation
In the previously used centimetre-gram-second (CGS) system of units

Multiplicity of names
There are several quantities and related magnetic terms: magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, magnetisation, polarisation, magnetic flux and also magnetic field.

Under certain conditions the practical differences between some of these quantities are small. For instance, for magnetically soft materials under low-amplitude excitation the difference between B and J.

and for those not proficient in magnetism the distinction might not be significant enough to differentiate the quantities.

Similarity of names
A very common short-hand is to refer to H as "magnetic field" instead of the full name "magnetic field strength".

(magnetic) flux density magnetic field strength (magnetic) induction