Hall emf is the voltage difference generated across an electrical conductor through which an electric current is flowing, due to the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. It is a direct consequence of the Hall Effect.
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Hall emf is used to measure magnetic field strength and direction.
The magnitude of Hall emf is proportional to the product of the magnetic field strength, current, and inversely proportional to the charge carrier density.
$V_H = \frac{IB}{nq}$ where $V_H$ is Hall voltage, $I$ is current, $B$ is magnetic field strength, $n$ is charge carrier density, and $q$ is charge of carriers.
Hall emf can determine whether charge carriers in a material are positive (holes) or negative (electrons).
It was discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879.
Review Questions
What factors affect the magnitude of Hall emf?
How can Hall emf be used to determine the type of charge carriers in a material?
Write down the formula for calculating Hall voltage and explain each term.
Related terms
Magnetic Field: A region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts.
Electric Current: The flow of electric charge in a conductor, typically measured in amperes.
Charge Carrier Density: The number of free charge carriers (such as electrons or holes) per unit volume in a material.