I concur that the derived unit A�m2 is used for magnetic moment (mu), a
quantity that is rarely discussed below the college level and escapes
understanding by many who are exposed to it. It is analogous to the
electric dipole moment. Crossing mu into B (in T, or N�A-1�m-1) results
in torque in N�m. Less mathematically, more conceptually, and VERY
loosely, think of it as "magnetic pole strength" (in A�m) separated by
the diameter of the Earth (in m).
Jim
John Tauxe wrote:
....
> Well, to get technical, my sister the paleomagnetist puts it this way: "It
> is the magnetic moment of the best fitting geocentric dipole (bar
> magnetic) that would give rise to the observed field intensities a the
> surface. Here it is about 40 micro Tesla." So I guess it's a moment,
> rather than a field strength, bill. I stand corrected.
....
--
Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!"
James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/
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