Are Magnetic Field Lines Real? - Comments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of magnetic field lines, their representation, and the implications of their density in relation to magnetic fields. Participants explore theoretical aspects, practical representations, and the challenges of visualizing magnetic fields, particularly in two-dimensional versus three-dimensional contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that field lines drawn in two dimensions do not accurately represent the behavior of magnetic fields, suggesting that a three-dimensional model would better illustrate the inverse square law of line density.
  • There is a discussion about the interpretation of field lines as integral curves of a vector field, with questions raised about the relationship to path integrals.
  • Participants note that the choice of seed points for drawing field lines can significantly affect their representation, particularly in dynamic scenarios such as moving wires.
  • Some express skepticism about the rule of thumb that line density correlates with field strength, citing counterexamples and emphasizing that this relationship is not universally applicable.
  • There is mention of the limitations of visualizing magnetic fields with iron filings, with differing opinions on whether they effectively demonstrate the spread of field lines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature and representation of magnetic field lines. Multiple competing views remain regarding the accuracy of two-dimensional representations, the interpretation of field lines, and the relationship between line density and field strength.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the choice of seed points for field lines, the challenges of visualizing dynamic magnetic fields, and the unresolved nature of how accurately iron filings represent field lines.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and individuals curious about the visualization and conceptual understanding of 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.
 
Last edited:
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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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