flux (redirected from state of flux)

flux

In metallurgy, any substance introduced in the smelting of ores to promote fluidity and to remove objectionable impurities in the form of slag. Limestone is commonly used for this purpose in smelting iron ores. Other materials used as fluxes are silica, dolomite, lime, borax, and fluorite. In soldering, the flux removes oxide films, promotes wetting, and prevents reoxidation of the surfaces during heating. Rosin is widely used as a noncorrosive flux when electronic equipment is soldered; in other applications, a water solution of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride may be used.

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flux

The energy field generated by a magnet. See luminous flux.

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flux

1. a substance, such as borax or salt, that gives a low melting-point mixture with a metal oxide. It is used for cleaning metal surfaces during soldering, etc., and for protecting the surfaces of liquid metals

2. Metallurgy a chemical used to increase the fluidity of refining slags in order to promote the rate of chemical reaction

3. a similar substance used in the making of glass

4. Physics

a. the rate of flow of particles, energy, or a fluid, through a specified area, such as that of neutrons (neutron flux) or of light energy (luminous flux)

b. the strength of a field in a given area expressed as the product of the area and the component of the field strength at right angles to the area

5. Pathol an excessive discharge of fluid from the body, such as watery faeces in diarrhoea

6. (in the philosophy of Heraclitus) the state of constant change in which all things exist