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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the origin of energy in the potential difference observed in the Hall effect. Participants explore the relationship between magnetic forces, electric fields, and energy transfer, questioning how energy is generated when magnetic forces do not perform work on charged particles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the magnetic force causes the potential difference in the Hall effect but note that magnetic forces do not do work on moving charged particles, raising questions about the source of energy.
  • Others inquire about the role of the electric field generated by the potential difference and how it relates to work done or energy dissipated in an external circuit.
  • A participant requests clarification on the full Lorentz force acting on a charged particle in the presence of both magnetic and electric fields, particularly in the context of energy dissipation in an external circuit.
  • One participant suggests that the magnetic field cannot do work on matter but can transfer energy to the electric field, prompting further questions about the implications of this statement.
  • Another participant references Maxwell's theory, questioning how a constant magnetic field can transfer energy without performing work, which leads to a discussion about the nature of energy transfer in this context.
  • A later reply compares the situation to forces that transfer momentum without transferring energy, using friction on a car's wheels as an example.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between magnetic fields and energy transfer, with no consensus reached on the mechanisms involved in the Hall effect. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the source of energy in the potential difference.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the interactions between magnetic and electric fields, with some assumptions about energy transfer and work remaining unaddressed. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations of the Hall effect and its underlying principles.

fxdung
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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.
 
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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)
 
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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:
 
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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.
 

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