Drude Theory in the presence of

Electric and Magnetic field

The motion of electrons in metals in the presence of

electric and magnetic fields gives rise to an
interesting phenomenon called the Hall effect.
The Hall effect is the production of a potential
difference (the Hall voltage) across an electrical
conductor that is transverse to an electric current in
the conductor and to an applied magnetic
field perpendicular to the current. It was discovered
by Edwin Hall in 1879.

Lorentz force, the force exerted on

a charged particle q moving with velocity v through
an electric field E and magnetic field B. The
entire electromagnetic force F on the charged
particle is called the Lorentz force (after the Dutch
physicist Hendrik A. Lorentz) and is given by

F = qE + qv × B.
(for electron q = -e)
One very important feature of the Hall effect is that
it differentiates between positive charges moving in
one direction and negative charges moving in the
opposite. The Hall coefficient is positive if the
number of positive charges is more than the negative
charges. Similarly, it is negative when electrons are
more than holes.
Applications of Hall Effect
Hall effect principle is employed in the following
cases:

• Magnetic field sensing equipment

• For the measurement of direct current, Hall
effect Tong Tester is used.
• It is used in phase angle measurement
• Proximity detectors
• Hall effect Sensors and Probes
• Linear or Angular displacement transducers
• For detecting wheel speed and accordingly assist
the anti-lock braking system.