Magnetic Field
an area of magnetic force surrounding a magnet
A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be observed. It is a vector field that is created by moving electric charges, such as electrons. The magnetic field is characterized by the direction of its force, which is perpendicular to the direction of the electric charges that created it. The strength and direction of the magnetic field can be measured using a device called a magnetometer.
Magnetic fields have several applications in science and technology, including powering electric motors, generating electricity, and storing data. They are also used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, which are used to diagnose medical conditions. In addition, magnetic fields play a role in the Earth’s atmosphere and the behavior of the Sun.
The unit used to measure magnetic field strength is the tesla (T). The Earth’s magnetic field has a strength of about 0.5 gauss (0.00005 T), while the strongest magnetic field ever produced in a laboratory was over 1,200 T. Magnetic fields can be created using electromagnets, which are made by passing an electric current through a coil of wire.