Why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the shape of the magnetic field associated with electrons in a conductor with current, specifically questioning why it is circular rather than triangular or other shapes. Participants explore concepts related to symmetry, the nature of magnetic fields, and the interpretation of contour maps in relation to magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the assumption that the magnetic field could be triangular, suggesting that symmetry plays a significant role in determining the shape of the magnetic field.
  • One participant introduces the idea that the magnetic field around an electron is represented as a contour map, which is circular due to the decay of the magnetic field with distance in all directions.
  • Another participant proposes that the circular nature of magnetic fields may relate to the inherent characteristics of physical phenomena, such as why air bubbles take on a spherical shape.
  • There is a discussion about whether electrons possess magnetic fields or if they are primarily defined by their charge, with some participants asserting that moving electrons do create magnetic fields.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity and coherence of the original questions posed, with calls for more context and background information to facilitate better understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the magnetic fields associated with electrons, particularly regarding whether they exist and their shape. There is no consensus on the original question, and the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clearer definitions and assumptions regarding the nature of magnetic fields and the context of the questions being asked. There are indications that some mathematical or conceptual steps may be missing in the discussion.

scientist91
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why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular? (in conductor with current)
 
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Why in the world would you think it might be triangular? Consider symmetry.
 
Doc Al said:
Why in the world would you think it might be triangular? Consider symmetry.

Can you explain deeper please?
 
No, I'd prefer that you explain why you think it might be triangular.

All your posts seem to be short, broad questions (often the same question repeated) with no background or context given. We have no idea what you know or don't know. You really need to find a textbook and begin at the beginning.
 
Doc Al said:
No, I'd prefer that you explain why you think it might be triangular.

All your posts seem to be short, broad questions (often the same question repeated) with no background or context given. We have no idea what you know or don't know. You really need to find a textbook and begin at the beginning.

Why it is circular instead of some other shape, that was my question and why the magnetic field is in that direction instead of the opposite?
 
You just restated the same question and the answer will be the same: why would you think it would be any other shape?
 
russ_watters said:
You just restated the same question and the answer will be the same: why would you think it would be any other shape?

And why would you think it is circular? And is the magnetic field acting like dipole magnet?
 
Last edited:
scientist91 said:
And why would you think it is circular? And is the magnetic field acting like dipole magnet?

As Doc Al pointed out, symmetry plays a role. Let's start with a simpler question: why do you think that (Newtonian) gravity is "circular", and not hexagonal ?
 
scientist91 said:
why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular? (in conductor with current)

Because if the magnetic field is a tetracontakaihexagon then it would take less work to create a an enneacontagon.
 
  • #10
and is it acting like dipole magnet?
 
  • #11
Is what acting like a dipole magnet? Look, these sort of questions are beginning to get tiresome. As I have said before, we are not your teachers, and as I have said before, the best way to learn this sort of basic science is to READ BOOKS and PAY ATTENTION IN SCHOOL. I am laying into you like this because I still believe your heart is in the right place and you are trying, so simply ignoring your questions would be a disservice - I really do want to help you learn as do all of the people still posting in these threada, but you are persistently ignoring good advice given by knowledgeable people. Continuously posing less-than-coherent questions is not a good way to learn science, and if you wish to learn science, it is important you understand this fact and act on it. I'm sorry to take such a harsh tone, but I believe at this point it needs to be said.
 
  • #12
I'm not sure exactly where this discussion stands right now, but I'm going to take a shot at answering his question.

Scientest91, the magnetic fields surrounding electrons that you see in pictures is called a contour map. You may have seen contour maps when with topography. If you don't understand how to interpret a contour map, you will not be able to understand the magnetic 'circles' around electrons.

The contour lines are circular because the magnetic field around an electron decays with equally in all directions with distance. Gravity works the same way. The further you get from a planet, the less you feel its gravity; and the force you feel will be the same 1 mile away from the planet, in all directions.
 
  • #13
I understand what the guy is saying.

I think it's just because things are circular. Take an arbitrary distance and draw a line. let's say that's how far the magnetic field goes, and then stops. If we assume a consistent medium, then you can imagine that the distance until it stops is the same everywhere around the magnetic body. Thus, a sphere.

The distance where "it stops" is more likely to a chosen magnitude, where say, if you had a magnetic ball, it would be the distance away that it cannot suck in a paper clip. Did I explain that ok? It's circular, spherical, hyperspherical, whatever, because of this.
 
  • #14
These circular shapes are a favorite of the universe. A follow up question that the OP may want to consider is why do air bubbles take a natural spherical shape.
 
  • #15
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields, they have a charge, and therefore there is a Coulombic attraction. I think what you meant to ask is: why is the potential field surrounding an electron spherical?
 
  • #16
billiards said:
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields, they have a charge, and therefore there is a Coulombic attraction. I think what you meant to ask is: why is the potential field surrounding an electron spherical?

Since electrons have charge, an electron in motion would have a magnetic field around it would it not?
 
  • #17
billiards said:
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields...
Moving electrons do.
 

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