QuArK21343 said:Is the non-existence of magnetic monopoles a fact that can be predicted from classical electromagnetic theory or is it just an empirical fact that Maxwell simply added to his set of equations?
Second question: is there any relation between this two facts:
1. There are no magnetic monopoles
2. Magnetism is just a relativistic effect
Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that have only one magnetic pole, either a north or a south pole, unlike regular magnets which have both poles.
As of now, there is no definitive evidence that magnetic monopoles exist. However, some theories in physics, such as Grand Unified Theory, predict the existence of magnetic monopoles.
If proven to exist, magnetic monopoles could help us better understand the fundamental laws of physics. They could also have potential applications in technology, such as in creating more efficient magnetic materials.
Regular magnets have both a north and a south pole, while magnetic monopoles have only one pole. This means that regular magnets can be separated into smaller magnets, but magnetic monopoles cannot be divided.
Since magnetic monopoles have not been observed yet, there is no specific method for detecting them. However, scientists are currently conducting experiments using high-energy particle accelerators and searching for signatures of monopoles in cosmic rays.