Magnetic Forces: Calculating Force on Uncharged Bodies

AI Thread Summary
Magnetic forces primarily act on charged bodies, leading to questions about the force on uncharged objects like paper clips. While uncharged, paper clips contain moving charged particles, which can interact with magnetic fields. The net charge of the paper clip may be zero, but its internal charges can still respond to magnetic forces. This interaction allows magnets to lift neutral objects despite the absence of a net charge. Understanding these principles clarifies how magnetic forces can affect uncharged materials.
emmkayy41
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The only formulas for forces due to a magnetic field have to do with a charged body.

How can you calculate the force acting on an uncharged body?
And if there is no force, why can you pick up a neutral paper clip with a magnet?
 
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emmkayy41 said:
The only formulas for forces due to a magnetic field have to do with a charged body.

How can you calculate the force acting on an uncharged body?
And if there is no force, why can you pick up a neutral paper clip with a magnet?
The magnetic force only acts on moving charged particles, but the paperclip has moving charged particles inside it... :wink:
 
Then how would you determine the force that is acting on the paper clip as a whole.
 
emmkayy41 said:
The only formulas for forces due to a magnetic field have to do with a charged body.

How can you calculate the force acting on an uncharged body?
And if there is no force, why can you pick up a neutral paper clip with a magnet?

Can consider that the paper clip DOES have some electrical charge, just that the net charge between the paper clip and the environment is zero.
 
thiotimoline said:
Can consider that the paper clip DOES have some electrical charge, just that the net charge between the paper clip and the environment is zero.
If the net charge between the paperclip and the environment is zero, then how can it be measured?
By the way, thank you to everyone who has responded so far, its been a big help.
 

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