Magnetic Force Calculator

Category: Physics
- May 19, 2025
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Calculate the magnetic force between two electrical currents or between a current and a moving charge. This calculator supports various configurations and provides step-by-step explanations.

Select Calculation Type

Wire Configuration

Advanced Options

About Magnetic Force

Magnetic forces arise from the interaction between moving charges or currents and magnetic fields. These forces are fundamental in electromagnetism and have numerous applications in technology.

Force Between Parallel Currents

When two current-carrying wires are placed parallel to each other, they exert a magnetic force on each other. This force is described by:

  • Force per unit length: F/L = (μ₀ × I₁ × I₂) / (2π × r)
  • Parallel currents in the same direction attract each other
  • Parallel currents in opposite directions repel each other
Lorentz Force on Moving Charges

A charged particle moving through a magnetic field experiences a force known as the Lorentz force:

  • Force: F = q × v × B × sin(θ)
  • The direction of the force is perpendicular to both the velocity and the magnetic field
  • The force is maximum when the velocity is perpendicular to the field (θ = 90°)
  • The force is zero when the velocity is parallel to the field (θ = 0° or 180°)
Magnetic Field of a Straight Wire

A straight current-carrying wire creates a magnetic field around it:

  • Field strength: B = (μ₀ × I) / (2π × r)
  • The field lines form concentric circles around the wire
  • The field strength decreases inversely with distance from the wire
Magnetic Field of a Solenoid

A solenoid is a coil of wire that creates a nearly uniform magnetic field inside it:

  • Field inside (ideal solenoid): B = μ₀ × n × I
  • Where n is the number of turns per unit length (N/L)
  • The field inside a long solenoid is nearly uniform and parallel to the axis
  • The field outside an ideal solenoid is approximately zero
Applications of Magnetic Forces

Magnetic forces have numerous practical applications:

  • Electric Motors: Convert electrical energy to mechanical energy
  • Generators: Convert mechanical energy to electrical energy
  • Electromagnets: Create controllable magnetic fields
  • Particle Accelerators: Use magnetic fields to guide charged particles
  • MRI Machines: Use strong magnetic fields for medical imaging
  • Magnetic Levitation: Used in maglev trains and other applications

Understanding the Magnetic Force Calculator

The Magnetic Force Calculator is a handy tool for anyone looking to understand the forces at play in electromagnetism. It helps calculate the magnetic force between two electric currents, or between a current and a moving charge. Whether you're a student or an engineer, this calculator can simplify complex calculations with ease, making it easier to grasp the principles behind magnetic forces.

Two Types of Calculations to Choose From

This calculator offers two main calculation types. Users can calculate the force between two currents or the force experienced by a moving charge in a magnetic field. It's designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to select the calculation type that suits your needs best.

Configuring Wire Settings for Accurate Results

When calculating the force between two currents, it's essential to set up the correct wire configuration. You can choose from:

  • Parallel Wires
  • Perpendicular Wires
  • Wires at an Angle

Each configuration has specific inputs that affect the magnetic force, making accurate setup crucial for precise results.

Inputting Current and Distance Values

To perform calculations, you'll need to enter the current values for each wire and the distance between them. The calculator allows you to input these values in various units, such as milliamperes (mA), amperes (A), and metres (m), giving you the flexibility to use the measurements you're comfortable with. This versatility helps ensure that you get the most accurate calculations possible.

Calculating Forces on Moving Charges

If you're interested in the force on a moving charge, the calculator also provides options tailored for that. You can specify the type of magnetic field and adjust fields for a straight wire, solenoid, or uniform field. Additionally, you can enter details about the charge and its velocity, ensuring the results are relevant to your specific scenario.

Advanced Options for Detailed Calculations

The Magnetic Force Calculator comes with advanced options to fine-tune your calculations further. You can decide how many decimal places to display, choose to show visualisations, and opt to have calculation steps explained. These features can enhance your understanding by providing a deeper insight into how the calculations are performed.

Visualisation for Better Understanding

One of the standout features of this calculator is its ability to generate visualisations. Once you've entered your parameters and made your selections, you can see a graphical representation of the magnetic fields and forces at play. This makes it easier to comprehend the concepts involved and see the effects of changing different values.

Learning More About Magnetic Forces

The Magnetic Force Calculator isn’t just about getting results; it's also a learning tool. It provides insights into the theory behind magnetic forces, including how they arise from interactions between moving charges and magnetic fields. Understanding these principles can help you apply what you've learned in real-world situations, whether it’s in Physics class, engineering, or Other technical fields.