Oersted Conversion Tool - Convert Oersteds to Any Unit
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Oersted Conversion Table
This comprehensive oersted conversion table shows how various units relate to oersteds, a common unit for magnetic field strength. Use this reference for quick conversions between oersteds and other magnetic units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Oersteds to teslas | Teslas | 0.0001 |
| Oersteds to gauss | Gauss | 1 |
| Oersteds to amperes per meter | Amperes per meter | 79.5775 |
This oersted conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors between oersteds and other magnetic field strength units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is an Oersted?
The oersted (symbol: Oe) is a unit of magnetic field strength in the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) system of units. It is named after Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, who discovered the relationship between electricity and magnetism. One oersted is defined as the magnetic field strength that will produce a magnetic flux density of one gauss in a vacuum.
The oersted is commonly used in physics and engineering applications, particularly in the United States. Our oersted conversion tool helps you easily convert between oersteds and other units. For example, 1 oersted equals approximately 79.58 amperes per meter or exactly 1 gauss.
What is the SI Equivalent of Oersted?
The SI unit for magnetic field strength is ampere per meter (A/m). The relationship between oersted and ampere per meter is:
- 1 Oe = 1000/(4π) A/m ≈ 79.5775 A/m
- 1 A/m = 4π/1000 Oe ≈ 0.01256637 Oe
Note that tesla (T) is the SI unit for magnetic flux density, not magnetic field strength. For magnetic flux density, 1 Oe corresponds to 1 gauss or 0.0001 tesla in a vacuum.
What are Oersteds Used For?
Oersteds are used in a wide range of applications where magnetic field strength needs to be quantified. As part of the CGS system, oersteds are particularly common in physics and engineering contexts:
Magnet Materials
Evaluating the coercivity of permanent magnets, which measures their resistance to demagnetization. For example, neodymium magnets often have coercivity values exceeding 10,000 Oe.
Electromagnetism Research
Characterizing magnetic fields in laboratory experiments and research applications. For example, measuring the magnetic field strength produced by solenoids in physics experiments.
Medical Applications
Specifying magnetic field strengths in medical devices like MRI machines. For example, clinical MRI systems typically operate with magnetic fields between 15,000 and 60,000 Oe.
Electrical Engineering
Designing magnetic circuits, transformers, and inductors. For example, calculating the magnetic field strength in the core of a power transformer.
Etymology and History
The oersted was named in honor of Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted (1777-1851), who in 1820 discovered that electric currents create magnetic fields. This discovery was fundamental to the development of electromagnetism as a field of physics.
The unit was officially defined in 1930 by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It was part of the CGS system of units, which was widely used in scientific work before the adoption of the SI system. While the SI system now uses ampere per meter for magnetic field strength, the oersted remains in common use, especially in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between oersted and gauss?
Oersted measures magnetic field strength (H-field), while gauss measures magnetic flux density (B-field). In a vacuum, they have the same numerical value, but they represent different physical quantities. In magnetic materials, the relationship between them depends on the material's permeability.
How do I convert oersteds to teslas?
In a vacuum, 1 oersted corresponds to 1 gauss, which equals 0.0001 tesla. For conversions in materials, you need to know the material's permeability. Our Oe to T converter handles these calculations automatically.
Why is the oersted still used?
Despite the adoption of SI units, the oersted remains common in technical literature, especially in the United States. It's particularly useful in magnetism applications where CGS units provide convenient numerical values. Many magnetic material specifications still use oersteds.
What are typical values in oersteds?
Earth's magnetic field: 0.25-0.65 Oe
Refrigerator magnets: 50-100 Oe
Medical MRI systems: 15,000-60,000 Oe
Neodymium magnets: 10,000-15,000 Oe (coercivity)
How accurate is oersted conversion?
Our oersted conversion tool provides high precision based on standard conversion factors. The conversion between oersted and ampere per meter is exact, while conversions involving magnetic materials require knowledge of material properties for full accuracy.
Can I convert oersteds to amperes per meter?
Yes, 1 oersted equals approximately 79.5775 amperes per meter. Our converter automatically handles this conversion. For detailed calculations, visit our Oe to A/m converter.