- #1
Wannabeagenius
- 91
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Hi All,
The classical theory of a bar magnet as I understand it is that there are many current loops at the atomic scale which have magnetic moments all pointing in the same direction. At the interior of the magnet, with one loop next to the other, currents go in opposite directions and their effects are canceled. However, at the surface of the magnet, small current loops are not canceled by adjacent loops which results in a current circulating around the outside of the magnet which causes the resulting magnetic field according to the Biot-Savart law.
If this description is true, which I think it is, how is this current measured? Also, is it possible to use this current and if so, what would the effect be? It seems that the bar magnet would gradually lose its magnetism.
Thank you,
Bob
The classical theory of a bar magnet as I understand it is that there are many current loops at the atomic scale which have magnetic moments all pointing in the same direction. At the interior of the magnet, with one loop next to the other, currents go in opposite directions and their effects are canceled. However, at the surface of the magnet, small current loops are not canceled by adjacent loops which results in a current circulating around the outside of the magnet which causes the resulting magnetic field according to the Biot-Savart law.
If this description is true, which I think it is, how is this current measured? Also, is it possible to use this current and if so, what would the effect be? It seems that the bar magnet would gradually lose its magnetism.
Thank you,
Bob