Gauss

The unit of magnetic induction in the cgs system, 10^-4 tesla. Also known as the abtesla.

The earth’s average magnetic field strength is approximately 0.3 - 0.5 G. Named for Karl Friedrich Gauss, the great German mathematician and astronomer. A long straight wire carrying 100 Amp produces a magnetic field of 10 G (0.001 T) at a distance of 2 cm from the wire.

See also: CGS Units, Tesla.