Are field lines from a magnetic dipole equal in magnitude?

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SUMMARY

The magnetic field lines from a magnetic dipole are not equal in magnitude throughout their length. The strength of the magnetic field is determined by the density of the field lines, which varies depending on the distance from the dipole. In a pure dipole field, the field strength is equal at points symmetric with respect to the north and south poles. However, the field does not exhibit spherical symmetry, and the radius from the center of the magnet alone is insufficient to determine the field strength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic dipoles
  • Knowledge of magnetic field line density
  • Familiarity with the concept of spherical symmetry in physics
  • Basic principles of magnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the mathematical representation of magnetic dipoles
  • Study the differences between pure dipole fields and other magnetic field configurations
  • Investigate the effects of distance on magnetic field strength
  • Learn about the applications of magnetic dipoles in technology
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Physics students, educators, and professionals interested in magnetism and magnetic field theory.

Luke Cohen
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http://www.physics.sjsu.edu/becker/physics51/images/28_03_Earth_magnetic_field.jpg
If this is your magnetic dipole and you start at the north end and follow a field line to the south end, is the magnetic field equal in magnitude the entire way through?
 
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No. Magnetic field strength is more like the density of field lines.
 
What if you had a magnet and drew a circle from the north to the south pole. This circle had the same radius from the center of the magnet.
 
It depends on how closely the magnetic field is approximated as a pure dipole field.

In a pure dipole field, the field strength is equal in magnitude at points symmetric wrt the N and S poles.

Some magnetic sources are better approximated as pure dipoles than others.
 
Luke Cohen said:
What if you had a magnet and drew a circle from the north to the south pole. This circle had the same radius from the center of the magnet.
The strength of the field does not have spherical symmetry for a magnet.
The radius from the center is not enough to determine the value.
 

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