FORCES ON CHARGES AND CURRENTS




 












Fundamental point particles like electrons and quarks have an intrinsic magnetic moment. That is, they come automatically with an attached scalar (charge) and vector (magnetic moment) quantity. Bound systems of quarks, like the proton and neutron, have a magnetic moment that is mainly due to the intrinsic magnetic moments of the quarks. The properties of magnetic materials, such as permanent magnets, are due entirely to the intrinsic magnetic moments of electrons. Thus, it is important to realize, there are two quite different sources of magnetic fields in nature: (1) charges in motion, and (2) intrinsic magnetic moments.  As far as we can tell, the magnetic field is the same kind of field whether it originates from moving charge, or from intrinsic magnetic moments.



"Nuclear Magnetic Resonance" uses proton magnetic moments.  It should be called "proton spin resonance."

"Electron Spin Resonance" similarly uses electron magnetic moments.

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