Exploring Magnetism: North Pole vs. South Pole

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In summary, the north pole and south pole of a magnet have opposite magnetic field directions, with field lines starting at one pole and ending at the other. This field is created by the magnetic moment, which is the sum of the magnetic moments of atoms or nuclei in the magnet. The direction of the magnetic field depends on the position relative to the current, which can be further understood through concepts such as Ampere's Law and Biot-Savart.
  • #1
MPonte
What is the difference between the north pole and the south pole of a magnet?
 
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  • #2
One way of thinking about it is that magnetic field lines start at one pole and end at the other. In other words, the direction of the field at each of the poles is the reverse of the other relative to the surface. Ulitmately, the magnetic field is the result of an electrical current (you can think of the magnetic moment of an atom or nucleus as arising from a spinning electrical charge, i.e. a current) with the direction of the field being related to the direction of the current. Clearly, the direction of the magnetic field produced by a current depends on position relative to the current.
 
  • #3
Thank you very much.
But due to my weak english understanding your explanation raise on me some doubts.

"One way of thinking about it is that magnetic field lines start at one pole and end at the other. In other words, the direction of the field at each of the poles is the reverse of the other relative to the surface."

Which surface?

"you can think of the magnetic moment of an atom or nucleus as arising from a spinning electrical charge, i.e. a current"

What is the magnetic moment?

"Clearly, the direction of the magnetic field produced by a current depends on position relative to the current."

Could you try to explain it better?
 
  • #4
Which surface?

The surface of the poles on the magnet you asked about.

What is the magnetic moment?

That is the magnetic field produced by an atom or nucleus. It is the sum of those magnetic moments that are responsible for the magnetism in the magnet you asked about.

Could you try to explain it better?

Look up "Ampere's Law" and "Biot-Savart" in your textbook. :)
 
  • #5
Tide said:
Look up "Ampere's Law" and "Biot-Savart" in your textbook. :)
My textbook does not have any information about that. Unfortunely, the portuguese high school physics teaching is very poor. That's my opinion. But I will google for Ampere's Law and Biot-Savart. Thank you very much for your help.
 
  • #6
For a little visual to go along with Tide's discussion. see this reference
 
  • #7
Ouabache said:
For a little visual to go along with Tide's discussion. see this reference

Thank you Ouabache. This explication was very clear and simple. It helped a good deal. :smile:
 
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1. What are the North and South Poles?

The North and South Poles are the two points on Earth's surface that mark the northernmost and southernmost ends of the Earth's axis of rotation. The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, while the South Pole is located in Antarctica.

2. What are the main differences between the North and South Poles?

One of the main differences between the North and South Poles is their geographic location. The North Pole is located in the Arctic, which is a frozen ocean surrounded by land masses. The South Pole, on the other hand, is located on a continent, Antarctica, which is completely covered in ice. Another difference is the climate - the North Pole experiences colder temperatures and shorter days due to its location within the Arctic Circle, while the South Pole experiences extreme cold and darkness during its long polar night.

3. How are the North and South Poles important to the Earth's climate?

The North and South Poles play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. The polar regions receive less sunlight due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, causing them to be colder than other areas. This creates a temperature difference that drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation, influencing weather patterns around the world. The polar ice caps also reflect sunlight, helping to regulate the Earth's overall temperature.

4. What type of animals can be found at the North and South Poles?

The North and South Poles are home to a variety of animals that have adapted to the extreme conditions. Some of the animals that can be found at the North Pole include polar bears, arctic foxes, and arctic hares. The South Pole is home to animals such as penguins, seals, and seabirds. Many of these animals have thick fur or blubber to keep them warm, and some have special adaptations such as webbed feet for swimming in icy waters.

5. How have the North and South Poles changed over time?

The North and South Poles have undergone significant changes over time, particularly in recent decades due to climate change. The Arctic sea ice has been shrinking at a rapid rate, while the Antarctic ice sheet has been losing mass. These changes have had a significant impact on the polar ecosystems and have raised concerns about the future of the Earth's climate. Scientists continue to monitor and study these changes to better understand their causes and potential consequences.

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