How Does the Lorentz Force Fit into Classical Electromagnetism?

[eemaestro]

I thought in classical physics, only four forces account for all mechanics:

1 gravitational attraction
2 electromagnetic force
3 nuclear strong force
4 nuclear weak force

There is also a Lorentz force on a charged particle moving through a magnetic field. How does classical EM account for this force? It does not fall in one of the above categories. I must be missing something important. What?

 

[dicerandom]

If you mean what I think you mean, the Lorentz force falls under the electromagnetic force. They just call it the Lorentz force equation for historical reasons. For reference, this is the equation I'm thinking of:

[tex]\vec{\mathbf{F}} = q \left( \vec{\mathbf{E}} + \vec{\mathbf{v}} \times \vec{\mathbf{B}} \right)[/tex]

 

[astrokreng]

You are correct in stating that there are four fundamental forces in classical physics. However, the Lorentz force is still considered part of the electromagnetic force, as it arises from the interaction between charged particles and magnetic fields. This force is described by the Lorentz force law, which states that the force on a charged particle is equal to the product of its charge, velocity, and the strength of the magnetic field it is moving through. This force is essential in understanding the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields, such as those found in motors and generators. Therefore, the Lorentz force is an important aspect of classical electromagnetism and is accounted for within the electromagnetic force.