Magnetic Field Definition

Description:

When a charge is in motion it travels with a constant velocity in a particular direction until an external force is applied to it. When a force is applied it can have any of the following three effects on the charge –

• Increase the velocity of the charge.
• Decrease the velocity of the charge.
• Change the direction of the charge.

When a current carrying conductor is placed near a moving charge, the direction of the charge is changed. This justifies the creation of magnetic field by current, so magnetic field can be defined as –

Magnetic field is a property in space which can turn a moving charge. It is generated by electric current carrying conductor i.e. flow of charge creates a magnetic field or a magnet.

Magnetic field causes magnetic needle and permanent magnets to align with the direction of field.

A current carrying conductor has a charge zero, therefore electric field is zero. Hence it can only generate magnetic field.

Direction of magnetic field can be determined using the Right hand Curl rule.