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magnetic field
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magnets and their associated magnetic field lines Diagram showing a small copper sample suspended between the north and south poles of an electromagnet, with magnetic field lines concentrated around the sample in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. Diagram showing magnetic field lines around a small horizontal current loop at the center, with arrows indicating the field direction created by a clockwise current when viewed from above. Diagram showing a circular loop of wire with an electric current, surrounded by curved blue lines representing magnetic field lines that loop around the wire and pass through its center. Diagram showing the magnetic field lines around two parallel current loops with currents flowing in opposite directions. The field lines form closed loops, curving outward from each loop and meeting between them, illustrating the opposing magnetic fields. Diagram showing two parallel current loops with currents flowing in the same direction, surrounded by blue magnetic field lines that form closed loops and connect the two coils, illustrating the combined magnetic field pattern. Diagram of an electromagnetic wave showing two perpendicular oscillating fields: electric field (E) and magnetic field (B), both at right angles to the direction of wave propagation (c). Wavelength is marked as lambda. Two diagrams show the magnetic field around a long straight wire carrying current. Panel A presents an end view with concentric circular field lines around the wire, current flowing toward the viewer. Panel B shows a three-dimensional view with the wire angled across the image and circular magnetic field lines surrounding it.
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magnetic field

physics
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magnetic field, a vector field in the neighbourhood of a magnet, electric current, or changing electric field, in which magnetic forces are observable. Magnetic fields such as that of Earth cause magnetic compass needles and other permanent magnets to line up in the direction of the field. Magnetic fields force moving electrically charged particles in a circular or helical path. This force—exerted on electric currents in wires in a magnetic field—underlies the operation of electric...

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