Magnetic ForceThe magnetic field B is defined from the Lorentz Force Law, and specifically from the magnetic force on a moving charge: ![]() The implications of this expression include: 1. The force is perpendicular to both the velocity v of the charge q and the magnetic field B. 2. The magnitude of the force is F = qvB sin 3. The direction of the force is given by the right hand rule. The force relationship above is in the form of a vector product. From the force relationship above it can be deduced that the units of magnetic field are Newton seconds /(Coulomb meter) or Newtons per Ampere meter. This unit is named the Tesla. It is a large unit, and the smaller unit Gauss is used for small fields like the Earth's magnetic field. A Tesla is 10,000 Gauss. The Earth's magnetic field is on the order of half a Gauss.
| Index Electromagnetic force Magnetic field concepts | ||
| Go Back |
Lorentz Force LawBoth the electric field and magnetic field can be defined from the Lorentz force law: ![]() The electric force is straightforward, being in the direction of the electric field if the charge q is positive, but the direction of the magnetic part of the force is given by the right hand rule. ![]() | Index Electromagnetic force Magnetic force Magnetic field concepts | ||
| Go Back |
Right Hand Rule![]()
| Index Magnetic force Magnetic field concepts | ||
| Go Back |