Textbook says V=E/w but units don't match

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the Hall Effect in a flat conductor carrying current in a magnetic field, specifically addressing a potential difference formula presented in a textbook. The formula given as V=E/w is questioned due to dimensional inconsistencies, leading to confusion over its validity. Participants suggest that the correct formula should be V=Ew, indicating a possible typo in the textbook. The reference is to Halliday and Resnick's Physics Volume 2, 4th edition, with a request for a scan of the relevant page to clarify the issue. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate formulas in physics and the potential for errors in educational materials.
SherlockHolmie
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In my textbook, it is talking about the Hall Effect on a flat conductor with width w carrying a current i in a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the strip. It says that this will create a potential difference of V=E/w where E is the induces electric field from the electrons moving to the right side of the material.

In normally, E=volts/meter, but here, we have E=volts*meter.

Doing deeper dimensional analysis based on V=E/w, we get kg*m^2/(s^3*(A)=(kgm/(s^3*A))/m=kg/(s^3*A) where A is current, which is false.

Why is this potential difference formula different?

Thanks
 
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SherlockHolmie said:
Why is this potential difference formula different?
Because it's a typo.
 
kuruman said:
Because it's a typo.
It should be V=Ew, right?
 
SherlockHolmie said:
It should be V=Ew, right?
Right.
 
What book? What page? Can you post a scan of the page?
 
nasu said:
What book? What page? Can you post a scan of the page?
Halliday and Resneck Physics Volume 2 Edition 4 page 745.
 

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Wow! 4th edition. That's an old one.
 
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