EXPLANATION
Question: What are the dimensions of a magnetic field?
- a) M¹L⁻¹T⁻²A¹
- b) M¹L⁰T⁻²A⁻¹
- c) M¹L⁻¹T⁻¹A⁻¹
- d) M¹L⁰T⁻²A¹
ANSWER: b) M¹L⁰T⁻²A⁻¹
EXPLANATION:
The dimensions of a magnetic field are M¹L⁰T⁻²A⁻¹. So the answer is (b).
The dimensional formula of a magnetic field can be derived from the Lorentz force equation, F = qvB sin θ. The force, F, has dimensions of [MLT⁻²]. The velocity, v, has dimensions of [LT⁻¹]. The charge, q, has dimensions of [AT]. The magnetic field, B, has dimensions of [MLT⁻²] / [AT] = [ML⁰T⁻²A⁻¹].
The SI unit of magnetic field is the tesla (T). 1 T = 1 N/A⁻¹m.
