Is there a unit for measuring electromagnetic force and what symbol denotes it?

In summary, the Newton is an appropriate unit for measuring force, regardless of whether it is from gravity or any other source. The force from an electric field is proportional to charge, so the unit for expressing field strength is Newtons per coulomb or Volts per meter. This is similar to how gravitational field strength is measured in Newtons per kilogram or meters per second squared. The symbol for this unit is N/C or V/m.
  • #1
Einstein's Cat
182
2
In the same sense that Newtons (N) are the unit for measuring gravitational force, is there a unit for measuring electromagnetic force and if so what is it and what symbol denotes it? Thank you for your help and time!
 
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  • #2
Force is force. The Newton is an appropriate unit regardless of whether the force is from gravity or any other source.

The force from an electric field is proportional to charge. This means that an appropriate unit for expressing field strength is Newtons per coulomb or equivalently, Volts per meter.

This is analogous to the way in which gravitational field strength is measured. Those units are Newton's per kilogram or equivalently (because the kilograms cancel out), meters per second squared.
 
  • #3
Einstein's Cat said:
In the same sense that Newtons (N) are the unit for measuring gravitational force, is there a unit for measuring electromagnetic force and if so what is it and what symbol denotes it? Thank you for your help and time!

hi there

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_field

cheers
Dave
 

1. What is a unit of electromagnetic force?

A unit of electromagnetic force is a measurement used to quantify the strength of an electromagnetic field. It is typically expressed in units of newtons (N) or pound-force (lbf).

2. How is the unit of electromagnetic force related to electric charge?

The unit of electromagnetic force is directly related to electric charge. In fact, it is defined as the force between two point charges of 1 coulomb each, separated by a distance of 1 meter.

3. Can you give an example of a unit of electromagnetic force?

An example of a unit of electromagnetic force is the newton (N). This unit is commonly used to measure the force between two electrically charged objects.

4. How is the unit of electromagnetic force different from the unit of electric charge?

The unit of electromagnetic force and the unit of electric charge are different but related. The unit of electromagnetic force measures the strength of the force between two charged objects, while the unit of electric charge measures the amount of electric charge an object possesses.

5. Why is it important to have a unit of electromagnetic force?

A unit of electromagnetic force is important because it allows scientists to accurately measure and compare the strength of electromagnetic fields. It also helps in understanding the relationship between electric charges and the forces they exert on each other.

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