Magnetic Field Lines around a Magnet

In summary, the magnetic field is stronger at the poles of a magnet because there is more concentrated magnetic field there.
  • #1
Jimmy87
686
17
Hi, please could someone explain why the magnetic field is stronger at the poles of a magnet. I know that the field line density is strongest at the poles and more spaced out in the middle. I get that. I just wanted to know why the magnetic field is stronger at the poles than the middle of a magnet.

Thanks for any help offered.
 
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  • #2
If you have a bunch of small magnets you can test this: stack the magnets end-to-end so that they form a single magnet. What happens when you bring iron filings near by? Are the field lines the same as for the individual magnets, or are they stronger? What about the body of the magnet?
 
  • #3
I think it's because the direction as magnetic field has direction, from north to south. On the poles, the force is towards or from the surface of the magnets, so you can feel it. In the middle, the force is parallel to the surface, it's from the poles and both poles are kind of far from the middle. Hope this will help you.
 
  • #4
Greetz
If we are talking about so-called permanent magnet like the common bar magnet, total field strength is quite constant, assuming stable temperature. The variation in intensity at different locations depends on the geometry of that field. In a single magnet system the lines of force are concentrated to nearly a point at the poles, whereas in the "equatorial area" where the lines have ballooned out, they are more diffuse.

This geometry and resulting intensity can be altered by introducing a second magnet, where pole orientation can either increase or decrease apparent intensity by further concentration or diffusion.
 
  • #5
I would have thought this had more to do with homogeneous and inhomogeneous magnetic fields.

Near the middle of the shaft of a long magnet, the field lines are straight and parallel and field is homogeneous. At this point along the magnet, the magnetic field is only going to exert a torque on a magnetic dipole to align its direction with the field lines. Whereas at the ends of a magnet the filed lines are curved where the magnetic field is inhomogeneous and at this point the magnetic field will exert a translatory force on a magnetic dipole.

I'd be interested in hearing how a physicists describes this??
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is an invisible area of force that is created by a magnet or electric current. It exerts a force on other magnets and moving electric charges.

How are magnetic field lines formed around a magnet?

Magnetic field lines are formed due to the alignment of magnetic domains within a magnet. These domains are small regions where the atoms are all aligned in the same direction, creating a magnetic field. The field lines flow from the north pole of the magnet to the south pole.

Why do magnetic field lines never intersect?

Magnetic field lines do not intersect because they represent the direction and strength of the magnetic field at any given point. If two field lines were to intersect, it would mean that the magnetic field is pointing in two different directions at the same point, which is not possible.

How does the strength of a magnetic field affect the spacing of field lines?

The spacing of magnetic field lines is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. The stronger the field, the closer together the lines will be, indicating a stronger magnetic force.

Can magnetic field lines be seen?

No, magnetic field lines are not visible to the naked eye. However, they can be visualized using iron filings or with the help of special equipment such as a magnetic field viewer or a Hall probe.

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