Magnetic field directionality, mathematic rigmarole?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between magnetic fields and the forces exerted on moving charged particles, specifically through the equation F.b=q(vXB). It establishes that the magnetic force is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the charged particle and the magnetic field itself. The conversation questions whether the directionality of the magnetic field is merely a definitional construct or if it has a basis in experimental reality. It concludes that the magnetic force's magnitude and direction depend on the particle's speed and motion direction, indicating that a unique magnetic field cannot be defined at a point where multiple particles interact.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory
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  • Basic principles of magnetic fields and forces
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Phyzwizz
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The force as a result of a moving charged particle through a magnetic field is perpendicular to the field apparently. Why should the magnetic field be perpendicular to the force created as a result. F.b=q(vXB) is the mathematical notation for this which accurately describes the world. But I cannot imagine why it would be impossible for math to describe the magnetic force instead in terms of a magnetic field that is parallel with it. So is the directionality of the magnetic field, simply just assigned by definition, or does it have some basis in reality that can actually be proven by experiment?
 
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Both the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on a particle moving through a particular point in space (with a given surrounding arrangement of currents and/or moving charges) depend on the particle's speed and direction of motion. Two particles going through the same point with the same speed but in different directions, experience magnetic forces that (in general) have different magnitudes and directions. Therefore one cannot define a unique magnetic field at that point that has the same direction as the magnetic force.
 

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