Past exam of the physics B course of the University of Cambridge / 2022 / Paper 1 / Section C / C9 / a

Let the unit normal $\mathbf{n}$ point from material 1 to material 2, and let their relative magnetic permeabilities be ${\mu }_1,{\mu }_2$, so ${\mathbf{B}}_i={\mu }_0{\mu }_i{\mathbf{H}}_i$ for linear isotropic media. Apply Gauss's law for magnetism to an infinitesimal Gaussian pillbox straddling the interface. The side contribution vanishes as its height tends to zero, leavingThe normal magnetic flux density is continuous.

Next use a narrow rectangular Amperian loop crossing the interface. The two short-side contributions vanish in the zero-height limit. The magnetostatic Ampère law for magnetic field intensity giveswhere ${\mathbf{K}}_f$ is any free surface current density. Thus, if there is no free surface current density on the interface, the tangential magnetic field intensity is continuous. In that case the component relations areThe distinction between free and bound electric currents matters: bound currents due to magnetization are already incorporated in the definition of magnetic field intensity. A change of magnetic permeability alone does not make the tangential magnetic flux density continuous.