Electron Magnetism: Do Electrons Attract?

In summary, electron magnetism is the phenomenon where electrons, through their negative charge and spin, can create a magnetic field and interact with other electrons or magnetic materials. This allows them to attract or repel each other and other objects, and plays a crucial role in technologies like electric motors and generators, as well as the Earth's magnetic field and space particles.
  • #1
Danyon
83
1
Do electrons attract to each other like permanent magnets?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Not really. The repulsion from their electric charge overwhelms any magnetic attraction in most circumstances. There may be some very specific circumstances where this comes into play, but for the most part the magnetic field from their own spin has little effect on them.
 
  • #3
As Drakkith mentioned, the magnetic moment of the electron is small enough that it never leads to a net attraction. However, it can definitely modulate the strength of the repulsion so that pairs of electrons aligned in different ways will have different energies.
 

FAQ: Electron Magnetism: Do Electrons Attract?

What is electron magnetism?

Electron magnetism is the phenomenon where electrons, which have a negative charge, can create a magnetic field and interact with other electrons or magnetic materials.

Do electrons attract each other?

Yes, electrons with opposite charges attract each other. However, electrons with the same charge repel each other.

How can electrons create a magnetic field?

Electrons have a property called spin, which acts like a tiny magnet. When electrons are moving in the same direction, their spins align and create a magnetic field.

Can electrons attract other objects besides electrons?

Yes, electrons can interact with other magnetic materials, such as iron or cobalt, and attract or repel them depending on their orientation.

How does electron magnetism play a role in everyday life?

Electron magnetism is essential for many technologies we use in our daily lives, such as electric motors, generators, and magnetic storage devices like hard drives. It also plays a crucial role in the Earth's magnetic field and the behavior of charged particles in space.

Similar threads

I Does electron beam in empty space generate magnetic fields?
Replies
7
Views
1K
B Magnetic Fields and Particle Movement: How Do Magnets Affect Electrons?
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Magnetism: Same Pole Repulsion & Heteropolar Attraction
Replies
32
Views
2K
B Magnetic fields attracting two disc-shaped magnets
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Question on Hall Effect and magnetic force
Replies
2
Views
1K
Why does a magnet do work on a flying nail?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Magnetic Attraction: Watching Magnets Move in Unison
Replies
24
Views
2K
Magnetic properties of electrons
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Hall effect -- is it always applicable?
Replies
7
Views
2K
B Electromagnetic radiation interacting with a magnetic field
Replies
24
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top