What Is Hall's Effect and How Does It Work?

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In summary, Hall's Effect is a physical phenomenon that describes the production of a voltage difference in an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of current. This is due to the force experienced by the free electrons in the conductor, causing them to accumulate on one side and creating a Hall voltage. It has various applications, including measuring magnetic field strength, detecting rotation and position, and studying semiconductor properties. Positive and negative Hall's Effect differ in the direction of the generated Hall voltage, determined by the type of charge carriers in the conductor. In semiconductor devices, Hall's Effect is used to characterize properties and in Hall effect sensors found in electronic devices.
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Snarf
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What is Hall's Effect?

My professor says that depending on the conditions certain charges (either the positive ones or negative ones) get "left behind". An applied magnetic field causes one type of charge to move to the top of the conductor and the other type of charge to stay at the bottom and not move. Can anyone explain this concept to me?
 
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Of course.
 

FAQ: What Is Hall's Effect and How Does It Work?

What is Hall's Effect?

Hall's Effect is a physical phenomenon discovered by American physicist Edwin Hall in 1879. It describes the production of a voltage difference (known as the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of current.

How does Hall's Effect work?

When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, the free electrons in the conductor experience a force in a direction perpendicular to both the current flow and the magnetic field. This force causes the electrons to accumulate on one side of the conductor, creating a voltage difference, or Hall voltage. The magnitude of this voltage is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the current in the conductor.

What are the applications of Hall's Effect?

Hall's Effect has several practical applications, including measuring magnetic field strength, detecting rotation and position in motors and sensors, and as a tool for studying the properties of semiconductors. It is also used in the Hall effect thruster, a type of spacecraft propulsion system.

What is the difference between positive and negative Hall's Effect?

In positive Hall's Effect, the Hall voltage is generated in a direction perpendicular to both the current flow and the magnetic field. In negative Hall's Effect, the Hall voltage is generated in the opposite direction. This difference is due to the type of charge carriers (electrons or holes) present in the conductor.

How is Hall's Effect used in semiconductor devices?

Hall's Effect is used to characterize the properties of semiconductors, such as the type and concentration of charge carriers. It is also used in Hall effect sensors, which can detect the presence and strength of a magnetic field and are commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and automotive systems.

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