An area vector is a vector whose magnitude is equal to the area of a plane and whose direction is normal to the plane of the area.
Step 2: Explanation for area vector
Consider a plane square surface of side s.
The area of the square is simply given by the product of the sides, Now consider a straight line passing through the surface.
This line can pass through the surface from any side of the square, which may or may not have any significance.
So, if the direction of the straight line is defined as corresponding to the area of the vector, then the area of the square becomes a vector.
So if the line is passing perpendicularly through the surface then it is called an area vector. Area vector is normally used to describe the magnetic or electric flux.
