Let's calculate (not speculate) on the (Lorenz)force acting on a welding
cable laying at ground 0, and one-meter long, carrying a current of 1000A.,
due to its interaction with the geomagnetic field, which we will assume to be
vertical and of magnitude B=1Gauss (good estimates - just ask your friendly
geophysicist). Of course, we all recall that the formula for the force on a
straight conductor in a B-field is:
F=BxLxI (MKS units)
Using MKS units: F=.00001 x 1 x 1000=.01N.=.0022Lbs=.032Oz.
Should really shake up that 4/0! Remember - this is the total force on
1METER of cable, with 1000AMPS flowing.
Eric von Valtier K8LV
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