Where does the energy come from in the potential difference in the Hall effect?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the source of energy in the potential difference observed in the Hall effect. Participants clarify that while the magnetic field (B field) causes the Hall voltage, it does not perform work on charged particles; instead, it transfers momentum to electrons, resulting in charge separation. The electric field (E field) generated from this separation is responsible for the potential difference. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between forces that transfer momentum and those that transfer energy, referencing Maxwell's theory regarding the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Hall effect and its implications in physics.
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz force equation in the context of charged particles.
  • Knowledge of electric and magnetic field interactions as described by Maxwell's equations.
  • Basic concepts of energy transfer and momentum in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force equation in detail, including its components and applications.
  • Explore Maxwell's equations to understand the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.
  • Research the principles of the Hall effect and its applications in sensors and devices.
  • Investigate the concept of energy transfer in electromagnetic fields and its implications in various physical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who seek to deepen their understanding of the Hall effect and the interplay between electric and magnetic fields.

fxdung
Messages
387
Reaction score
23
Where does energy come from in potential difference appearing in Hall effect?It is magnetic force causes this potential.But we know that magnetic force does not do work on motion charge particles, then where is the energy come from?It seems contradiction that magnetic forces cause the potential but not transfer work for charge particles.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
fxdung said:
It is magnetic force causes this potential.But we know that magnetic force does not do work on motion charge particles,
The magnetic force is just part of the Hall deflection equations. How does the resulting electric field from the generated potential affect any work done? (or energy dissipated in an external Hall voltage sensing circuit)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
Please explain more detail, I do not understand.
 
fxdung said:
Please explain more detail, I do not understand.
Can you list the full Lorentz force on a charged particle in the presence of a magnetic and an electric field?

When the Lorentz force in a Hall device causes deflection of the electrons into an external circuit, what force(s) cause the dissipated energy in the external circuit?

It's actually a good question... :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: anorlunda
No, I can not list the full Lorentz force!
 
Google is your friend... :smile:
 
fxdung said:
Where does energy come from in potential difference appearing in Hall effect?It is magnetic force causes this potential.But we know that magnetic force does not do work on motion charge particles, then where is the energy come from?It seems contradiction that magnetic forces cause the potential but not transfer work for charge particles.
I am not sure what you think is a contradiction. First, the B field does not decrease due to the Hall effect so why do you the B field is the source of the energy? Second, the B field cannot do work on matter, but it can transfer energy to the E field? I am just having a hard time seeing how there could be a contradiction here.
 
Dale said:
Second, the B field cannot do work on matter, but it can transfer energy to the E field?

Do you mean B field can transfer energy to E field without do work on matter?
 
fxdung said:
Do you mean B field can transfer energy to E field without do work on matter?
Yes.
 
  • #10
But according to Maxwell theory, a varied B field can be changed to E field. But here B field is constant field,how can it transfer energy without the helping of force(work be done)?
 
  • #11
fxdung said:
But here B field is constant field,how can it transfer energy
You have answered your own question. This is precisely my first objection listed in post 7.
 
  • #12
This is just another case of a force that transfers momentum (##F_B=v\times B## transfers momentum to electrons thus causing separation of charges i.e the Hall voltage) but doesn't transfer energy .The most popular case of such type of forces is the friction on a car's wheels.
Usually the transfer of momentum goes along with the transfer of energy but as we see with many physics examples this is not always true.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
6K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
11K