Magnetic fields
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields (pronunciation: /ˈmaɡ.nɛt.ɪk ˈfiːldz/) are invisible fields of force produced by magnetism, a fundamental force of nature.
Etymology
The term "magnetic field" is derived from the Latin magnes, meaning "magnet", and the English word "field", which in this context refers to an area or volume in which a certain effect or influence is present.
Definition
A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence on moving electric charges, electric currents, and magnetic materials. The direction of the field is taken to be the direction of the force it would exert on a positive test charge moving in that direction.
Properties
Magnetic fields have both a direction and a magnitude, making them vector quantities. They are generated by moving electric charges and the intrinsic magnetic moments of elementary particles associated with a fundamental quantum property known as spin.
Related Terms
- Magnetism: The force exerted by magnets when they attract or repel each other.
- Electromagnetic Field: A type of physical field produced by electrically charged objects.
- Magnetic Flux: The total magnetic field passing through a given area.
- Magnetic Moment: A measure of the magnetic strength of a magnet or current-carrying coil.
- Magnetic Pole: The regions of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest.
Applications
Magnetic fields play a crucial role in various applications, including electric motors, MRI scanners, and magnetic storage media such as hard disks. They are also fundamental to many natural phenomena, such as the Earth's magnetic field and magnetosphere, and the behavior of subatomic particles.
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