When do magnetic forces do work?

ORAL

Abstract

All of the introductory physics texts in my library tell me at some point that magnetic forces cannot do work, but about half go on to present examples in which it is claimed that magnetic forces can do work. One should not be surprised, therefore, if many of us are confused about what magnetic forces can and cannot do. I hope to provide clarity on this issue.

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Authors

  • Antonio H. Castro Neto

    University of Connecticut, Bridgewater State College, Rhode Island College, Saint Joseph's College, Merrimack College, Yale University, School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Glastonbury High School, The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Florida State University, Keene State College, Springfield College, Columbia University, Department of Physics, Boston University