Why there are spaces in b/w iron fillings sprinkled around a magnet?

[Meson080]

Iron fillings form a particular arrangement when sprinkled around a magnet.

The direction of magnetic field lines represented by the alignment of iron filings sprinkled on paper placed above a bar magnet.

Image and description credits: Wikipedia

If a magnet, which can pull iron fillings lies in front of them, why do they remain at a distance from it? Why can't they directly attach to the magnet instead of forming those arrangements with spaces?

 

[UltrafastPED]

The iron filings become temporary magnets - and hook up one to the other to form chains along the magnetic field lines.

If you disrupt the chains as they form all of the iron filings will accumulate on the original magnet.

 

[adjacent]

And there are spaces between them(Two different lines) because their poles are induced at the same direction so they repel.

 

[sophiecentaur]

I used to tell kids that a rule of thumb for field lines is that they 'try' to be as short as possible but, at the same time, are spaced out, between them as they can. That rule describes the pattern and I always apologised for the anthropomorphism and said that the field lines are not actually there..

 

[sardar]

This phenomenon occurs because of the magnetic force acting on the iron filings. When the magnet is placed near the iron fillings, the magnetic field of the magnet causes the iron filings to become temporarily magnetized. This temporary magnetization causes the iron filings to align themselves with the magnetic field lines of the magnet, creating the familiar pattern seen when sprinkled around a magnet.

However, the magnetic force acting on the iron filings is not strong enough to overcome the force of gravity pulling them towards the magnet. This results in the spaces between the filings as they are pulled towards the magnet but remain suspended in the air due to the magnetic force.

Additionally, the iron filings are small and lightweight, so they are easily affected by air currents and other external forces, which can also contribute to the spaces between them.

In summary, the spaces between the iron filings when sprinkled around a magnet are a result of the magnetic force acting on them and the balance between this force and other external forces. This phenomenon is a fascinating example of the intricate relationship between magnetism and matter, and it has been studied and observed by scientists for centuries.