Chapter 16: Magnetic Field

Hans Christian Oersted

The 19th-century scientist who discovered that a magnetic field is established around a current-carrying conductor.

Right hand thumb rule

A rule for straight conductors where the thumb points in the direction of current and the curled fingers represent the direction of magnetic lines of force.

Maxwell’s cork screw rule

A rule stating that if the forward motion of a right-handed screw represents the current, the direction of rotation gives the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Fleming’s left-hand rule

A rule where the index finger represents the magnetic field, the middle finger the current, and the thumb the direction of force or motion when held mutually perpendicular.

Lorentz Force

The magnetic force experienced by an electric charge moving through a magnetic field, expressed as $F = Bqv\text{sin}(\theta)$.

Tesla ($T$)

The SI unit of magnetic field ($B$), where $1\text{T}$ is created if a $1\text{C}$ charge moving at $1\text{m/s}$ at a right angle to the field experiences a $1\text{N}$ force.

Magnetic field of earth

The field strength at the earth's surface, which is approximately $10^{-4}\text{T}$.

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