Undergrad Defining the Forces from Magnetic Fields and Electric Fields

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition and terminology of the Magnetic Field Intensity vector (B vector) in relation to Electric Field Intensity. It is established that while Electric Field Intensity is defined as the force on a unit positive charge, the B vector cannot be accurately defined in the same manner due to the absence of magnetic monopoles. The use of Coulomb's Law for magnetism in textbooks to derive magnetic field expressions is questioned, particularly in its comparison to the Biot-Savart Law. The consensus is that referring to B vector as Magnetic Field Intensity vector is misleading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Electric Field Intensity and its definition
  • Familiarity with Magnetic Field concepts and terminology
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's Law and its application in magnetism
  • Basic principles of the Biot-Savart Law
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Biot-Savart Law in detail to understand its derivation and applications
  • Research the implications of magnetic monopoles and their absence in classical physics
  • Examine various textbooks on electromagnetism for differing definitions of magnetic field concepts
  • Explore advanced topics in magnetostatics and their mathematical formulations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals in electromagnetism, particularly those interested in the nuances of magnetic field definitions and their applications in theoretical and practical contexts.

physics_nsrg
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We define Electric Field Intensity vector at a point as the force experienced by a unit positive charge kept at a point. Is it correct to define B vector similarly that is, is B vector the magnetic force acting on an unit magnetic north pole and is it correct to call B vector Magnetic Field Intensity vector?
 
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There is no such thing as a unit magnetic north pole or magnetic monopoles in general for that matter.
 
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Likes vanhees71 and Vanadium 50
Thank you for the response.
In a couple of textbooks I have gone through, to calculate magnetic field at any point on the axial line and equatorial line of a bar magnet of giver pole strength, the derivation for the expression of magnetic field is done by calculating the force acting on unit north mono pole kept at the given point and in the process, Coulomb's Law for magnetism is used. Is this approach wrong and is B vector ever called magnetic field intensity vector?
 
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If they describe the Biot-Savart Law as "Coulomb's Law for magnetism", that is a problem, yes.
 
Welcome to PF.

physics_nsrg said:
In a couple of textbooks I have gone through
Which textbooks?
 
Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

I have a common plasma globe with blue streamers and orange pads at both ends. The orange light is emitted by neon and the blue light is presumably emitted by argon and xenon. Why are the streamers blue while the pads at both ends are orange? A plasma globe's electric field is strong near the central electrode, decreasing with distance, so I would not expect the orange color at both ends.
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