magnetic moment

noun

Definition of magnetic moment

: a vector quantity that is a measure of the torque exerted on a magnetic system (such as a bar magnet or dipole) when placed in a magnetic field and that for a magnet is the product of the distance between its poles and the strength of either pole

Examples of magnetic moment in a Sentence

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Because of the uneven number of particles in the nucleus, helium three has a strong magnetic moment. The helium is put into a state where all the magnets point in the same direction, creating what is called magnon. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Magnetic helium makes superfluid time crystal," 2 June 2018 But, as the rock cools, the magnetic moment from all the iron atoms begin to line up, thanks to the Earth's magnetic field. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Plugging in to a volcano: Geothermal power and the science that enables it," 11 Oct. 2017 The magnets misalign, reducing the magnetic moment of the rocks. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Plugging in to a volcano: Geothermal power and the science that enables it," 11 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'magnetic moment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of magnetic moment

1865, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for magnetic moment

magnetic moment

noun
magnetic mo·​ment | \ -ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce magnetic moment (audio) \

Medical Definition of magnetic moment

: a vector quantity that is a measure of the torque exerted on a magnetic system (as a bar magnet or dipole) when placed in a magnetic field and that for a magnet is the product of the distance between its poles and the strength of either pole