1 Answer
Hall voltage is caused by the interaction between a current-carrying conductor (like a metal or semiconductor) and a magnetic field that is applied perpendicular to the current flow. Here's a breakdown of how this happens:
In summary, Hall voltage is the result of the force exerted by the magnetic field on moving charges within a conductor, causing a potential difference to build up perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.
- Current Flow: When an electric current flows through a conductor (say, a metal), the charged particles (usually electrons) move through the material.
- Magnetic Field: When a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of the current, it exerts a force on the moving charges (this is known as the Lorentz force).
- Force on Charges: The magnetic force causes the moving charges (electrons) to accumulate on one side of the conductor, creating an imbalance in charge distribution. This accumulation of charges creates an electric potential difference across the conductor in a direction perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field. This voltage is called Hall voltage.
- Direction of Hall Voltage: The direction of the Hall voltage depends on the direction of the current and the magnetic field. Using the right-hand rule can help determine the direction of the force on the charges.
In summary, Hall voltage is the result of the force exerted by the magnetic field on moving charges within a conductor, causing a potential difference to build up perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.