Gauss's Law and Magnetic Reconnection

In summary, Gauss's law for magnetism clearly states that magnetic reconnection cannot occur. Furthermore, according to the THEMIS project, magnetic reconnection triggers an acceleration that creates aurora borealis.
  • #1
Aurora Austra
3
0
Hi, I have a question regarding Gauss's law and magnetic reconnection. From what I have heard Gauss's law for magnetism (Div B = 0) clearly states that magnetic reconnection cannot occur. Furthermore, according to the THEMIS project, magnetic reconnection triggers an acceleration that creates aurora borealis.

My question is in regard to what contradictions there are between Gauss's law and magnetic reconnection. I appreciate any help given.

Best regards//
Aurora Austra.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Aurora Austra! Welcome to PF!
Aurora Austra said:
My question is in regard to what contradictions there are between Gauss's law and magnetic reconnection.

NONE.

Gauss' law for magnetism (divB = 0) allows field lines to end at neutral points.

There's plenty of stuff on this on the internet, eg wikipedia and http://www.cesura17.net/~will/Ephemera/Nerdliness/MR/index.html
 
  • #3
Thanks for answering, but how can I relate Gauss's law for magnetism to aurora borealis. The reason I emphasized Gauss's law for magnetism is due to the fact that I read about aurora borealis and stumbled upon magnetic reconnection and from there arrived at the lovely train of Maxwell's equations; Gauss's law for magnetism.
 
  • #4
Aurora Austra said:
Thanks for answering, but how can I relate Gauss's law for magnetism to aurora borealis. The reason I emphasized Gauss's law for magnetism is due to the fact that I read about aurora borealis and stumbled upon magnetic reconnection and from there arrived at the lovely train of Maxwell's equations; Gauss's law for magnetism.

are you trolling? :frown:

there are plenty of websites where your can look this up, several of which you've obviously already seen

read some more, and if there's anything that needs further explanation, link to it and ask for comment
 
  • #5
I see, it seems as I have already stumbled upon the answer. I just had to read between the lines. If there is anything else, I will not hesitate to ask. Much obliged sir.

Best regards//
Aurora Austra.
 

1. What is Gauss's Law?

Gauss's Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric charges and the electric field they create. It states that the net electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the enclosed electric charge divided by the permittivity of free space.

2. How is Gauss's Law related to magnetism?

Gauss's Law is not directly applicable to magnetism. However, it is closely related to another fundamental law in electromagnetism, Ampere's Law, which describes the relationship between electric currents and the magnetic field they produce.

3. What is magnetic reconnection?

Magnetic reconnection is a process in which the magnetic field lines of two opposing magnetic fields are rearranged and realigned, resulting in a sudden release of energy. This process is responsible for many phenomena in space, such as solar flares and auroras.

4. How does magnetic reconnection occur?

Magnetic reconnection occurs when the magnetic field lines of two opposing magnetic fields are brought together, causing them to break and reconnect in a different configuration. This process is driven by the motion of charged particles and can occur in plasmas, such as those found in the Earth's magnetosphere.

5. What are the applications of Gauss's Law and magnetic reconnection?

Gauss's Law is used in many practical applications, such as in the design of electrical circuits and devices. Magnetic reconnection has implications in space weather forecasting and the development of fusion energy technology. It also plays a role in understanding and predicting solar flares and other space phenomena.

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