Is magnetism more concentrated at the more pointed pole?

In summary, the principle that the electric field is stronger at the most pointed parts of a non-uniform conductor also applies to magnets. The magnetic flux density is higher at the pointed parts of a non-uniform magnet due to a higher concentration of magnetic field lines. However, the effect is less significant compared to the concentration of electric field lines in a non-uniform conductor due to the similar permeability of magnetic materials.
  • #1
slakedlime
76
2
There's a principle that the electric field is stronger/more intense at the most pointed parts of a charged, non-uniform conductor.

Does this principle also apply to magnets? I.e. if we have a non-uniform magnet, is the magnetism density (sorry for the lack of a more scientific word) greater at the pointed parts? I suppose, however, the total intensity of the north pole will equal that of the south pole.

Just out of curiosity, suppose we have the following non-uniform magnet. Would its magnetic field resemble that of a similar charged conductor (except for the fact that it has a magnetic, not electric field)?

magnet.jpg
 
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  • #2
Diagram charge distribution on a similarly-shaped conductor:
conductor.jpg
 
  • #3
The simple answer is yes. Lines of the magnetic induction (B) - often called the magnetic field, although strictly speaking that's different (H) are in the static case we address here, closed loops. As you say, ideally, there are as many that enter the magnet on one side as leave on the other, so if the place where they live is more pointed, there are more of them per unit of surface, which means that the magnetic induction flux density is higher.
BUT: as where conductors and dielectrics are hugely different in their conduction (the resistivity of insulators is billions of billions of times higher than the resistivity of conductors), this distinction is much less so for magnetic permeability. There's at most a factor of a few thousand between the "magnetic conductivity" of a "magnetic material" such as ferrite and an "a-magnetic material" such as plastic or air (I'm being somewhat coarse here). As such, magnetic field lines "leak out all the time", and it is less evident to make them concentrate "on the tip of the magnet". But nevertheless, there will be some effect of concentration.
 

1. Is the strength of magnetism greater at the pointed pole?

No, the strength of magnetism is equal at both poles of a magnet. The difference lies in the direction of the magnetic field lines, with the pointed pole having a more concentrated and directional field.

2. Why is the pointed pole of a magnet considered the north pole?

The names "north" and "south" poles of a magnet are arbitrary labels and do not correspond to the geographic north and south poles. The pointed pole is commonly referred to as the north pole because it points towards the Earth's geographic north pole when freely suspended.

3. Does the shape of a magnet affect its strength?

Yes, the shape of a magnet can affect its strength. A more pointed pole can have a stronger magnetic field due to the concentration and direction of the field lines. However, other factors such as the material and size of the magnet also play a role in determining its strength.

4. Can a magnet have both a pointed and flat pole?

Yes, it is possible for a magnet to have both a pointed and flat pole. Magnets can have multiple poles and can have varying shapes and sizes, depending on their purpose and composition.

5. Is a magnet with a pointed pole more useful than one with a flat pole?

It depends on the intended use of the magnet. A pointed pole can be more useful for precision work and directing the magnetic field in a specific direction. However, a flat pole may be more useful for other applications, such as holding objects in place or generating a more uniform magnetic field.

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