Magnetic Force

Empirical Law: Magnetic Force

Every point charge $q$ moving through a magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$ with velocity $\mathbf{v}$ experiences a magnetic force $\mathbf{F}$:

$$\mathbf{F}=q\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B}$$

Note: Direction of the Magnetic Force

The direction of $\mathbf{F}$ can be determined via the right hand rule. Point the index finger of your right hand in the direction of $\mathbf{v}$ and your middle finger in the direction of $\mathbf{B}$. If you now raise your thumb, it will point in the direction of $\mathbf{F}$.