The Hall effect is a phenomenon observed in conductive materials when an electric current flows through them in the presence of a magnetic field. When the magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of the current, it causes charged particles, such as electrons, to experience a force. This force pushes the particles to one side of the material, creating a voltage difference across it, known as the Hall voltage. This effect is widely used in various applications, including sensors and magnetic field measurement devices. By measuring the Hall voltage, engineers can determine the strength of the magnetic field or the type of charge carriers in a material, making it a valuable tool in electronics and physics.