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What is a magnetic field?

Magnetic fieldsA field of force that is generated by electric currents. The Sun's average large-scale magnetic field, like that of the Earth, exhibits a north and a south pole linked by lines of magnetic force. are created by things that are magnetic (like iron magnets) or by moving charged particles. A magnetic field is the description of the force a magnetic object exerts in the space surrounding the magnetic object. A force is a push or pull. To learn more about forces and magnetic fields, please visit The University of Colorado Physics 2000 website.

When charged particles move around really fast they create magnetic fields.

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Last Updated: 6 June 2014
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