< /hɑns ˈkrɪs tyɑn/, 1777–1851, Danish physicist.
noun
- the cgs unit of magnetic field strength; the field strength that would cause a unit magnetic pole to experience a force of 1 dyne in a free space. It is equivalent to 79.58 amperes per metreSymbol: Oe
n.
- The centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit of magnetic intensity, equal to the magnetic intensity one centimeter from a unit magnetic pole.
- Danish physicist who is credited as the founder of the science of electromagnetism. Oersted established the connection between electric current and magnetic force when he accidentally discovered that a compass’s magnetic needle is deflected at right angles when placed next to a conductor carrying an electric current. The oersted unit of magnetic field strength is named after him.
- The unit of magnetic field strength in the centimeter-gram-second system. A unit magnetic monopole in a magnetic field with a strength of one oersted would be subjected to a force of one dyne. It is equal to 79.577 amperes per meter.