Electromagnetic Force
Electromagnetism is a branch of physics that establishes the relationship between electricity and magnetism. A magnetic field affects moving charges, resulting in an induced current. Moving charges produce magnetic fields. Therefore, the perception that magnetism and electricity are closely intertwined is correct.
What is Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is the force of interaction between electrically charged particles, like electrons and protons, either stationary or moving. It consists of two distinct forces – electric force and magnetic force. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, including gravitational force, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force. Like the other fundamental forces, it has an infinite range. The electromagnetic force has a strength of 1/137 relative to the strong nuclear force. However, it is 1036 times stronger than the gravitational force.
How does Electromagnetic Force Work?
The electric force originates from the interaction between charged particles, whether they are stationary or moving. Opposite charges attract each other while like charges repel. Charged particles give rise to an electric field. However, when the particles start to move, they generate a magnetic field which gives rise to a magnetic force. The electromagnetic force is manifested when the electric and magnetic fields interact with the charged particles. It is an exchange force, and the particles that carry the force are known as photons.
Who Discovered Electromagnetic Force?
In 1820, Danish physicist Hans Christian Oersted was the first to observe that the needle of a magnetic compass deflects when placed near a current-carrying wire. Later that year, he published his results in a pamphlet.
Electromagnetic Force Examples
An effect of the electromagnetic force is that it is responsible for most interactions in nature. Here are some of its examples.
- Electrons moving around a nucleus
- The molecules of water
- Electromagnetic waves (E.g., light, radio waves, X-rays, and UV-rays)
- A current passing through a wire
Electromagnetic Force Equation
How to Calculate Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is a combination of the electric and the magnetic force. Hence, the equation is given by Lorentz force, whose formula is
Where q is the charge of the particle,
Applications of Electromagnetic Force
The electromagnetic force is applied in electromagnets, which find their way into many devices.
- Doorbells
- Hard-drives
- Speakers
- Microphones
- Home security system
- Generators
- Solenoid and toroid
Difference between Gravitational Force and Electromagnetic Force
| Electromagnetic Force | Gravitational Force | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary cause | Charge | Mass |
| Due to | Small movements of charged particles | Bulk motion of large masses |
| Strength | Stronger than the gravitational force | Weaker than the electromagnetic force |
| Nature | Attractive or repulsive | Attractive |
| Force carrier | Photon | Graviton |
| Additive | No | Yes |
FAQs
Ans. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet that can be magnetized by passing an electric current. A permanent magnet has a permanent magnetism.
Ans. The difference between electrostatic and electromagnetic forces is that the former refers to the force between charges which are not moving relative to each other. On the other hand, electromagnetic force refers to electrostatic forces and other forces between moving charges and magnetic fields.
Ans. An electric generator is used to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. In this process, a turning shaft rotates a coil between two pole pieces of a magnet that generates an electric current.
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References
Article was last reviewed on Friday, May 3, 2024
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