A/m Unit Explained: Magnetic Fields

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of amperes per meter (A/m) in relation to magnetic fields, particularly in the context of coils and solenoids. Participants explore the meaning of this unit, its application in calculating magnetic field strength, and the implications of dimensionality in density measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the meaning of amperes per meter, questioning how it relates to magnetic fields when considering a specific current and wire length.
  • Another participant explains that in a coil, the quantity "ampere per meter" is derived from the current and the number of windings per meter, which influences the magnetic field strength.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the "m" in A/m refers to the length of the copper wire in a solenoid.
  • Another participant asserts that the dimensions of the coil are not relevant as long as it is long compared to its other dimensions, emphasizing that winding density is the key factor.
  • A participant challenges the notion of density existing in a one-dimensional context, questioning how density can be defined without dimensions.
  • One participant provides an example of a one-dimensional density, comparing it to cars per kilometer on a highway, and clarifies the calculation of windings per meter in a coil.
  • A later reply suggests that the magnetic field is proportional to the distance and the quantity of charge traveling per unit time, indicating a growing understanding of the concept.
  • Another participant interprets "A/m" as "amp-turns per meter," linking it to the calculation of magnetic field strength in solenoids.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the concept of A/m and its implications for magnetic fields. While some points are clarified, disagreements about the dimensionality of density and its relevance persist.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the interpretation of density in one-dimensional contexts and the specific definitions of terms used in the discussion.

ctech4285
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hello,
I can't seem to make sense out of amper/meter...one amp flowing throw a wire with a length of 0.5m would be 2A/m ? how does relate to the magnetic field?
 
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In a coil, you can find something like "ampere per meter": With a current of 1 Ampere and 100 windings per meter, you get "100 ampere per meter". In a similar way, a cylinder with constant current density (around the interior), can have the property "ampere per meter". And the magnetic field strength inside just depends on this quantity.
 
thank you that made it a little bit clearer, but a solenoid has length width height and copper winding length. does m in (A/m) refer to the length of the copper wire?
 
No, it does not. The dimensions are not relevant, as long as the coil is long compared to its other two dimensions (and even if not, it is just a dimensionless prefactor for the geometry). The length of the copper wire is mainly geometry-related. The relevant quantity is the winding density (with unit 1/m), multiplied by the current.
 
density can only exist in two or three dimensional space no?!?

we can have 100 ampere turns in one cubic meter, but in a dimensionless meter??

you say dimensions are irrelevant, but i can not see how you can have density without dimensions...
 
A 1-dimensional density is nothing mysterious. On a highway, you can have 10 cars per kilometer, for example. "Cars per cubic kilometer" is not a useful quantity.

If your coil has a length of 2 meters and 100 windings, you have 50 windings per meter.
 
ah ok this makes sense now, magnetic field is proportional to the distance and quantity of charge travel per unit time
thank you for your help
 
hello ctech4285! :smile:

when i see "A/m", i always read it as "amp-turns per metre" …

the magnetic field is the amps times the number of turns divided by the length of the solenoid :wink:

(or the amps times the pitch)
 

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