A Simple Demonstration of Lorentz Force in Electrically-Conductive Fluid
Abstract
Flows driven by electromagnetic Lorentz forces are ubiquitous in the universe. Lorentz forces are essential, for example, in the dynamics of planetary cores and astrophysical plasmas. In an electrically-conducting fluid, this force is defined as the vector cross product of the magnetic field with the electric current density. We have built an easily-replicated desktop device to demonstrate the effects of Lorentz forces in a copper sulfate solution. The electric current is controlled by a DC power supply, and the magnetic field is imposed using neodymium magnets. By varying the electric current, it is possible to tune the Lorentz forces and, thus, the resulting drive motions in the copper sulfate solution. Experiments will be carried out onsite, along with real time measurements of electric potential, magnetic field strength and local flow velocities.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AGUFMED53D0659R
- Keywords:
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- 0850 EDUCATION Geoscience education research