Understanding Field-Lines: Potential, Strength, and Coilness Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of field lines, potential, strength, and the idea of "coilness" in fields. Participants explore the relationships between these concepts, particularly in the context of how field lines may behave in relation to potential lines and the implications of twisting or spiraling fields.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that field lines can twist around a center in a way that potential lines might cross at a single point.
  • Others argue that potential lines can only cross at singularities, where the potential is not well defined, suggesting a limitation on the behavior of potential lines.
  • A participant reflects on the idea of potential growing spirally, questioning what it would mean for field lines to twist into a spiraloid around a "twister source."
  • Another participant introduces the concept of "vorticity," indicating it is related to the curl of the field, which may connect to the spiraling behavior being considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of potential and field lines, particularly regarding the crossing of potential lines and the implications of twisting field lines. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of potential and strength, as well as the assumptions about the behavior of field lines and potential lines in various configurations.

smm
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fields local variables are its potential P, strenght E, and... coilness? 8)
hmm..is it possible that field-lines can twist around a center certain way that potential-lines can cross in one spot
 
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If a field has a potential, then potential lines can cross only at singularities: points at which the potential is not well defined.

By the way, it is incorrect to think of potential and strength as independent "variables". A field is completely determined by its potential function.
 
oops, you are right:)

i was thinking can potential grow spirally:
-field lines twist to a spiraloid around 'twister source'. what would it mean?
 
Sounds like you are thinking of "vorticity" which is measured by the curl of the field.
 

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