Polarized Free Electrons vs Polarity of Static Magnet

In summary, a free polarized electron, regardless of its spin orientation, will be attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet due to its magnetic dipole moment and the lowering of energy when aligned with an external field. The torque on the electron does not result in a net force.
  • #1
Buckeye
165
2
Question 1:
Which type of free polarized electron (spin up or down) is attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet?

Question 2:
Why is a free electron attracted to or repelled by either pole of a static magnet?
 
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  • #2
Buckeye said:
Which type of free polarized electron (spin up or down) is attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet?
In a uniform magnetic field, there is just a torque on electrons, no net force.

Electrons have a magnetic dipole moment. The energy is lowered by aligning with an external field, but moving the dipole around does not change the energy.
 
  • #3
Not a Course Question: Still need help to understand

Pieter Kuiper said:
In a uniform magnetic field, there is just a torque on electrons, no net force.
Electrons have a magnetic dipole moment. The energy is lowered by aligning with an external field, but moving the dipole around does not change the energy.

In spite of the change of venue, the question stands. In simple terms, ignoring the torque and the tendency to least energy, which spin goes to which pole?
 

Related to Polarized Free Electrons vs Polarity of Static Magnet

1. What is the difference between polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet?

Polarized free electrons refer to electrons that have been aligned in a specific direction by an external magnetic field. This alignment creates a net magnetic moment in the material. On the other hand, the polarity of a static magnet refers to the direction of the magnetic field it produces. In a static magnet, the magnetic moments of the electrons are already aligned in a specific direction, resulting in a net magnetic field.

2. How do polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet affect each other?

Polarized free electrons can be influenced by the polarity of a static magnet. When a polarized electron is placed near a static magnet with the opposite polarity, it will experience a force and may align itself with the static magnet's field. Similarly, a static magnet placed near a material with polarized free electrons can affect the alignment of the electrons.

3. What is the significance of polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet in materials?

Polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet are important in understanding the behavior of magnetic materials. The alignment of polarized electrons and the polarity of a static magnet can affect the overall magnetic properties of a material, such as its magnetic strength and how it responds to external magnetic fields.

4. Can the polarity of a static magnet be changed?

Yes, the polarity of a static magnet can be changed by applying a strong magnetic field in the opposite direction. This can cause the magnetic moments of the electrons to realign and reverse the polarity of the magnet.

5. Do polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet have any practical applications?

Yes, both polarized free electrons and the polarity of a static magnet have various applications in industries such as electronics and medicine. These include data storage in hard drives, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and particle accelerators.

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