What is the Formula for Magnetic Force in Electromagnets?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the magnetic force in the context of electromagnets, particularly focusing on the appropriate units and formulas related to magnetic fields and forces. The original poster is seeking a formula to calculate the magnetic force needed to lift a specific weight.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the distinction between magnetic force and magnetic flux density, with some questioning the original poster's request for a formula in terms of Teslas. There is a focus on the need to express weight in Newtons and consider the magnetic properties of the materials involved.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications about the definitions of terms and the complexities involved in calculating magnetic force. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider various factors beyond just weight, but no consensus or definitive formula has emerged yet.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the terminology used for magnetic fields and forces, with participants emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying physics before applying any formulas. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on units and the properties of materials being lifted.

ccflyer
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Hi everyone, I am trying to learn about electromagnets for a project I am working on and I need to know how much magnetic force (in Teslas) that I would need to lift a given weight. Would anyone be able to point out a formula that I would be able to use?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-ccflyer
 
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First, a Tesla is NOT a unit of magnetic force- it is a unit of magnetic flux density- the flux density that will result in a 1 Newton force acting on a one coulomb charge moving at one meter per second perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction.

So no one can tell you "how many Teslas" you need to lift a given weight- it depends on much more than weight. Of course, you would start by expressing your weight in Newtons- that's the force you need. Now you would need to figure in the magnetic properties of the material you are lifting- that's going to be the hard part. The same magnetic field will result in different forces on different kinds of metals.
 
alright, I get what you are saying, and I guess that makes sense, but would you be able to point me in the direction of a formula?
 
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Well magnetic force is defined as

[tex]\vec{F}_{b} = q \vec{v} \times \vec{B}[/tex]

where q is the charge, B is the magnetic field, and v is the velocity of the charge.
 
HallsofIvy said:
First, a Tesla is NOT a unit of magnetic force- it is a unit of magnetic flux density- the flux density that will result in a 1 Newton force acting on a one coulomb charge moving at one meter per second perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction.

So no one can tell you "how many Teslas" you need to lift a given weight- it depends on much more than weight. Of course, you would start by expressing your weight in Newtons- that's the force you need. Now you would need to figure in the magnetic properties of the material you are lifting- that's going to be the hard part. The same magnetic field will result in different forces on different kinds of metals.


No,no,big confusion.The Tesla (apud Nicolo Tesla) is a unit for MAGNETIC FIELD INDUCTION,commonly noted by [itex]\vec{B}[/itex],which is a pseudovector.

See post #7.

Daniel.
 
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This is what I found at http://www.answers.com/topic/tesla
"The unit of magnetic flux density in the International System of Units, equal to the magnitude of the magnetic field vector necessary to produce a force of one Newton on a charge of one coulomb moving perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field vector with a velocity of one meter per second. It is equivalent to one weber per square meter. "
 
It's not called "magnetic flux density",but "magnetic induction".

[tex]\Phi_{mag}=:\iint_{S} \vec{B}\cdot d\vec{S}[/tex]

,so indeed the magnetic induction is the magnetic flux density.But the first name is the correct SI one.

Daniel.
 

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