Why Does Magnetic Force Behave Differently with Charges Compared to Steel?

In summary, magnetic fields cause charges to move around in circles, and the direction of the magnetic force is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field lines.
  • #1
allok
16
0
hiya

I assume the field lines represent the strength of magnetic field and show the direction of magnetic force. So if we put iron filings on paper with magnet near by, then fillings will arrange themselfs in such way to show the direction of the magnetic forces on these iron fillings.


And here is the confusing part: When learning about moving charged particles inside MF, suddenly magnetic force on this charge is perpendicular to magnetic field lines ( and these lines BTW represent magnetic force ).

Why if an object such as another magnet or steel enters MF, magnetic forces represented by magnetic field lines act on this object, but when charge enters MF, the magnetic force represented by magnetic field lines doesn't act on charge, but instead new force is created that acts on this charge and direction of this force is different than direction of magnetic forces represented by magnetic field lines ( this new force is only created if charge is not moving parallel with magnetic field lines )? In short, why does magnetic field behave differently depending on whether a charge or steel enters inside it?


thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The nearest thing to a magnet that can be made with a single charge is a magentic dipole, which is a charge orbiting with a circular motion. Consider a charge moving in a magentic field where some force other than the one from the magnetic field is making the charge run around in circles, or it could be a group of charges running around on the same circle. If you like, let those charges be inside a little loop of wire. What force does the magnetic field apply to the charge(s) in different places along its circular path? How does this depend on the orientation of the circle relative to the magnetic field?
 
  • #3
Uh, I don't know
 
  • #4
allok said:
Uh, I don't know
What you see when you look at the iron filings near a magnet is that the filings align themselves with the magnetic field lines. They are not forced in the direction of the field lines, they are twisted into alignment. The same thing happens with a loop of current in a magnetic field. One side of the loop is forced in one direction, and the other side is forced into the other direction. The loop is twisted into alignment so that the plane of the loop is perpendicular to the magnetic field. There is no inconsistency between what happens to a loop of current and what happens to a single charge moving in a magnetic field.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magmom.html
 

Related to Why Does Magnetic Force Behave Differently with Charges Compared to Steel?

1. What is magnetic force?

Magnetic force is a fundamental force of nature that acts between magnetic poles and moving electric charges. It is responsible for the attraction or repulsion of magnetic materials and can also affect the motion of electrically charged particles.

2. How does magnetic force work?

Magnetic force is caused by the alignment of the magnetic fields of two objects. Like poles repel each other, while opposite poles attract. The strength of the force depends on the distance between the objects and the strength of their magnetic fields.

3. What are some real-life applications of magnetic force?

Magnetic force is used in many everyday devices such as motors, generators, speakers, and hard drives. It is also used in medical equipment like MRI machines and in particle accelerators for scientific research.

4. How does magnetic force differ from other forces?

Magnetic force is unique in that it can act at a distance without any physical contact between the objects. It is also different from other forces in that it depends on the orientation and strength of the magnetic fields, rather than the mass or charge of the objects.

5. How is magnetic force related to electricity?

Magnetic force and electricity are closely related through the concept of electromagnetism. Moving electric charges create magnetic fields, and changing magnetic fields can induce electric currents. This relationship is described by Maxwell's equations and is the basis for many technological advancements.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
487
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
470
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
318
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
488
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
240
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
763
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
364
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
856
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
826
Back
Top