In the case of the electric field, we define the field as the force at each point in space exerted on a unit charge. This is intuitive, as the field will give me a good idea of how a charge will move in space under the influence of the field. But in the case of the magnetic field, what is the significance in defining the magnetic field in a way such that we must take the cross product to find the magnetic force: $$F_B = qv \times B$$
Couldn't we define it in a way similar to the electric field, such that the magnetic force points in the same direction as the field? I understand that a charged particle follows a circular pattern under the influence of a steady magnetostatic field, so it may lead to simpler equations for B this way, but is this the only reason?
Electronic – Why is the magnetic field perpendicular to the magnetic force
electromagnetism
Related Topic
- Does circular motion of electron perpendicular to the magnetic field experiences a force
- Electronic – Magnetic field strength and flux density from hysteresis curve
- Electronic – How to conceptualize electric loading in a motor
- Electronic – Magnetic vector potential and displacement current
- Electronic – What causes the electromagnetic waves to prefer one dielectric over another
- Electronic – Capacitor in presence of an external electric field
Best Answer
The equivalent for magnetic force would be \$F_M = q_mB\$ where \$q_m\$ is the magnetic charge, and the Lorentz force due to the interaction of an electric field and magnetic charge would involve the cross product - so it has a nice symmetry if magnetic monopoles exist.