Are Magnetic Field Lines Real? - Comments

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the nature of magnetic field lines, emphasizing their representation in two-dimensional sketches versus three-dimensional models. Participants, including Greg Bernhardt and Ibix, highlight that field lines should ideally be depicted in 3D to accurately reflect the inverse square law of magnetic fields. The conversation also touches on the complexities of visualizing these lines, particularly in relation to moving charges and the limitations of using iron filings for demonstration. Additionally, the discussion mentions the need for animations or stereograms to better illustrate these concepts.

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  • Understanding of magnetic fields and their properties
  • Familiarity with vector fields and integral curves
  • Knowledge of the inverse square law in physics
  • Experience with visual representation techniques in physics, such as 3D modeling
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Physics educators, students studying electromagnetism, and anyone interested in advanced visualization techniques for magnetic fields.

  • #31
bhobba said:
That EM can be formulated without the concept of field shows convenience is often used to decide how to view something.
As a beginner I am not aware of EM formula without the concept of fields. I will learn it. Thank you for your advise.

Aharanov-Bohm effect can raise another discussion on reality of magnetic field line. There A plays more "real" role than B.
 
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  • #32
I'd not learn Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory before I'd have learned standard classical electrodynamics. Anyway, it's an amusing episode on the attempt to develop QED, but finally it was a dead end.

If you are interested in these issues, a nice book (though unfortunately having some typos in formulae)

A. O. Barut, Electrodynamics and classical theory of fields & particles, Dover Pub. (1980)
 
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