Physics Electricity and Magnatism Background

Magnetic Field (B)

A vector field around magnetic materials or electric currents, represented by the symbol B, measured in teslas (T).

Tesla (T)

The SI unit of magnetic field strength. 1 tesla is equal to 10^4 gauss.

Gauss (G)

A smaller unit of magnetic field strength, where 1 tesla = 10^4 gauss.

Right Hand Rule

A method to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a wire: point your thumb in the direction of the current, and your fingers curl in the direction of the field.

Magnetic Flux (Φ)

The total magnetic field passing through a given area, calculated as Φ = B·A·cos(θ).

Lenz's Law

When the magnetic flux in a closed loop changes, the induced current will flow in such a direction that the magnetic field opposing the change in flux is generated.

Faraday's Law

The induced electromotive force (emf) in a closed circuit is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit.

Induced electromotive force (emf)

The voltage created by a change in magnetic flux, measured in volts.

Current (I)

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).

Force on a Moving Charge (F=qvBsin(θ))

The force experienced by a charge moving through a magnetic field, where F is the force, q is the charge, v is the velocity, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between the magnetic field and the velocity vector.

Current-Carrying Wire in a Magnetic Field (F=ILBsin(θ))

The force experienced by a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, where F is the force, I is the current, L is the length of the wire, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between the wire and the magnetic field.

AC Generator

A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction, typically producing alternating current (AC).

Root Mean Square (RMS) value

A statistical measure of the magnitude of a varying quantity, often used to represent AC current and voltage.

Power (P=IV)

The rate of energy consumption or conversion, calculated as the product of current (I) and voltage (V).

Ohm's Law

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R), expressed as V=IR.

Coil of Wire

A loop or series of loops of wire through which electricity can flow, used often in electromagnetic applications.

Magnetic Permeability (μ₀)

A measure of the ability of a material to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself, important in defining the strength of magnetic fields in various materials.