magnetic field

American  

noun

1. a region of space near a magnet, electric current, or moving charged particle in which a magnetic force acts on any other magnet, electric current, or moving charged particle.

2. magnetic intensity.

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magnetic field British  

noun

1. a field of force surrounding a permanent magnet or a moving charged particle, in which another permanent magnet or moving charge experiences a force Compare electric field

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magnetic field Scientific  

1. A field of force associated with changing electric fields, as when electric charges are in motion. Magnetic fields exert deflective forces on moving electric charges. Most magnets have magnetic fields as a result of the spinning motion of the electrons orbiting the atoms of which they are composed; electromagnets create such fields from electric current moving through coils. Large objects, such as the earth, other planets, and stars, also produce magnetic fields.

2. See Note at magnetism

3. See magnetic field strength

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magnetic field Cultural  

1. A magnetic field is said to exist in a region if a force can be exerted on a magnet. If a compass needle is deflected when it is put at a particular location, we say a magnetic field exists at that point, and the strength of the field is measured by the strength of the force of the compass needle. The Earth, the sun, and the Milky Way galaxy all have magnetic fields. All known magnetic fields are caused by the movement of electrical charges. Electrons in orbit in atoms give rise to magnetic fields, so that every atom is, like the Earth, surrounded by a magnetic field. (See magnet and magnetism.)

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Etymology

Origin of magnetic field

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Other materials are harder to fabricate in the required configurations, but they may allow excitons to remain stable at higher temperatures and without the need for a magnetic field.

From Science Daily

The findings suggest that these enormous bodies of solid, superheated rock -- surrounded by a pole-to-pole ring of cooler material -- have played a role in shaping Earth's magnetic field for millions of years.

From Science Daily

In a new study published in Physical Review E, physicists at Auburn University found that even very weak magnetic fields can significantly change how dusty plasmas behave.

From Science Daily

Large commercial ships are particularly vulnerable to magnetic mines, which respond to changes in the magnetic field.

From BBC

"The evidence strongly supports a binary system containing a magnetar -- a neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field, and a star like our Sun."

From Science Daily