A linear motor including a coil, a plurality of first magnet groups having
polar directions disposed in periodically different directions, and a
plurality of second magnet groups having polar directions disposed in
periodically different directions. In a set including a predetermined
magnet of the first magnet groups and a magnet of the second magnet
groups, corresponding to the predetermined magnet, magnetization
directions of the set of magnets have mutually different tilts with
respect to the central axis of the coil. The coil includes a first coil
effective to produce a Lorentz's force between the first coil and the
first magnet groups, and a second coil effective to produce a Lorentz's
force between the second coil and the second magnet groups.