Defining the Forces from Magnetic Fields and Electric Fields

In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of Electric Field Intensity vector and whether the same approach can be used for defining B vector as Magnetic Field Intensity vector. It also mentions the use of Coulomb's Law for magnetism in deriving the expression for magnetic field, which may be problematic if described as the Biot-Savart Law.
  • #1
physics_nsrg
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We define Electric Field Intensity vector at a point as the force experienced by a unit positive charge kept at a point. Is it correct to define B vector similarly that is, is B vector the magnetic force acting on an unit magnetic north pole and is it correct to call B vector Magnetic Field Intensity vector?
 
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  • #2
There is no such thing as a unit magnetic north pole or magnetic monopoles in general for that matter.
 
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  • #3
Thank you for the response.
In a couple of textbooks I have gone through, to calculate magnetic field at any point on the axial line and equatorial line of a bar magnet of giver pole strength, the derivation for the expression of magnetic field is done by calculating the force acting on unit north mono pole kept at the given point and in the process, Coulomb's Law for magnetism is used. Is this approach wrong and is B vector ever called magnetic field intensity vector?
 
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  • #4
If they describe the Biot-Savart Law as "Coulomb's Law for magnetism", that is a problem, yes.
 
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  • #5
Welcome to PF.

physics_nsrg said:
In a couple of textbooks I have gone through
Which textbooks?
 
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FAQ: Defining the Forces from Magnetic Fields and Electric Fields

What is the difference between magnetic fields and electric fields?

Magnetic fields are created by moving electric charges, while electric fields are created by stationary electric charges. Additionally, magnetic fields only interact with other magnetic fields and moving charges, while electric fields interact with both stationary and moving charges.

How do magnetic fields and electric fields interact with each other?

When a charged particle moves through a magnetic field, it experiences a force perpendicular to both the direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field. Similarly, when a charged particle is placed in an electric field, it experiences a force in the direction of the electric field.

Can magnetic fields and electric fields be measured?

Yes, both magnetic fields and electric fields can be measured using specialized instruments such as magnetometers and voltmeters. These instruments can detect the strength and direction of the fields at a specific location.

What are some real-life applications of magnetic fields and electric fields?

Magnetic fields are used in technologies such as MRI machines and electric motors. Electric fields are used in devices such as capacitors and batteries, as well as in power generation and transmission.

How do magnetic fields and electric fields affect everyday objects?

Magnetic fields and electric fields can affect everyday objects in various ways. For example, they can cause compass needles to align with the Earth's magnetic field, they can induce electric currents in conductive materials, and they can cause objects to repel or attract each other depending on their charges and polarities.

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