Question 1

What is an oersted and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

Oersted (Oe) is CGS unit for magnetic field strength H. 1 Oe = 79.577 A/m. Still used in magnetic materials specifications, especially for permanent magnets and recording media.

Question 2

What is the difference between H and B fields?

Accepted Answer

H (oersted or A/m) is applied field from currents. B (gauss or tesla) is total field including material magnetization. In vacuum: B = μ₀H. In materials: B = μH where μ varies.

Question 3

What's a typical magnetic field strength?

Accepted Answer

Earth's field: 25-65 microtesla. Fridge magnet: 5 millitesla. MRI machine: 1.5-3 tesla. Strongest lab magnets: 45+ tesla.

Question 4

Why do we have both Tesla and Gauss?

Accepted Answer

Tesla is the SI unit; Gauss is the older CGS unit. 1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss. Both remain in use across different fields and regions.

Oe to A·m Converter

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