The Lorentz Force

The Lorentz Force describes how electric and magnetic fields influence charged particles, like electrons. When a charged particle moves through an electric field, it experiences a force pushing it, similar to how a ball is pushed by a wind. If it moves through a magnetic field, the force depends on its speed and direction, causing it to curve or change course—imagine a charged particle spiraling in a magnetic field. This combined force explains many phenomena in electromagnetism, such as how electric motors work or how Earth's magnetic field affects charged particles in space.