Understanding the Hall Effect: Explanation of Electrons and Resultant Voltage"

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In summary, the Hall Effect is the production of a voltage when a current is driven through a material in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. This is due to the Lorentz force, which causes electrons to congregate on one side of the material, resulting in a difference in charge and thus a measurable voltage.
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Can someone explain the Hall Effect? If electrons are moving inside a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the wire, then perpendicular to both the wire and the magnetic field will be a resultant voltage? Why does this voltage arise?
 
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  • #2
Do you know about Lorentz force?
Because that basically explains it.

You are driving a current to a slab of material. To be rigorous, let's put the material in the (x,y) plane and let the current flow in the x-direction*. If you also apply a magnetic field in the z-direction, then the electrons that make up the current will experience a Lorentz force. By the basic physical laws, this force acts in the y-direction. So inside the slab, in the direction perpendicular to the currrent, a voltage is building up. After all, this means precisely that on one side electrons "clutter" together and on the other side they become scarcer. This can indeed simply be measured by applying a volt meter across the material in the y-direction.

[small]*) I'm not thinking about directions here: that's a little tricky with the conventions for current flowing in the opposite direction as the actual current carriers, the electrons. I suggest you sit down and work it out for yourself.[/small]
 
  • #3
The Lorentz force causes the electrons to clutter, which creates a voltage?
 
  • #4
Well, not really.
It just draws electrons more to one side of the material than to the other side.
So there is more charge on one side than on the other side.
Of course, this is precisely what we mean by a "voltage".
 

1. What is the Hall Effect?

The Hall Effect is a phenomenon in physics that occurs when a magnetic field is applied to a conductor carrying an electric current. It results in the accumulation of charge on one side of the conductor, creating a measurable voltage difference perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.

2. How does the Hall Effect work?

When a magnetic field is applied to a conductor, it exerts a force on the moving electrons within the conductor. This force causes the electrons to accumulate on one side of the conductor, creating an electric field perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field. This electric field generates a voltage difference, known as the Hall voltage, which can be measured.

3. What is the role of electrons in the Hall Effect?

Electrons play a crucial role in the Hall Effect as they are the charge carriers within the conductor. When a magnetic field is applied, the electrons experience a force that causes them to accumulate on one side of the conductor, creating the Hall voltage.

4. How is the Hall Effect used in scientific research?

The Hall Effect has many applications in scientific research, including the study of magnetic fields, the properties of conductors and semiconductors, and the behavior of electrons under different conditions. It is also used in the development of devices such as Hall effect sensors, which are used to measure magnetic fields and currents in various systems.

5. What factors affect the Hall voltage?

The Hall voltage is affected by several factors, including the strength of the magnetic field, the current flowing through the conductor, and the properties of the material being used. The Hall voltage is also dependent on the temperature and the shape and size of the conductor. Additionally, the presence of impurities or defects in the material can also affect the Hall voltage.

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