Lorentz Force
The combined force exerted on a charged particle moving through electromagnetic fields containing both electric and magnetic field components.
Governing formula
F = q (E + v × B)
SI unit
N (Newtons)
In depth
The electric force component qE acts parallel to the electric field regardless of velocity. The magnetic force component q(v × B) acts perpendicular to both particle velocity v and magnetic field B, doing zero work.
Examples in the real world
Steering electron beams inside cathode ray tubes or focusing high-energy charged particles in synchrotrons and cyclotrons.