Are Neodymium Magnets Polarized and Shaped Like This?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties and characteristics of neodymium magnets, specifically their polarization, shape, and safety considerations. Participants explore various aspects of neodymium magnets, including their configurations, potential hazards, and the existence of quadrapole magnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether neodymium magnets can be polarized and shaped as depicted in a referenced image.
  • One participant mentions that salvaged neodymium magnets from hard drives can be quadrapole, which surprises others.
  • Concerns are raised about safety warnings associated with neodymium magnets, including the recommendation to maintain a distance of 3 feet from large magnets due to potential dangers.
  • Another participant suggests that the safety warnings may stem from legal precautions rather than actual dangers.
  • There is a discussion about the existence of magnets with a single pole, with some participants asserting that such magnets do not exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and share information about neodymium magnets, but there is no consensus on the implications of safety warnings or the nature of quadrapole magnets. The existence of magnetic monopoles is also discussed without a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference safety guidelines that may depend on specific contexts or interpretations, and there are unresolved questions about the nature of magnetic poles and configurations.

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If you happen to salvage a Neodymium magnet out of a hard drive it will be a quadrapole...
 
Thank you!
 
Hey, a quick question for anyone that knows... in these rules on that site...

# Neodymium magnets are brittle; they can be broken or can splinter in a collision. One should wear gloves and protective glasses when handling these magnets, because splinters could disengage and fly from the magnets.
# Normal Neodymium magnets will lose their magnetic properties if heated above 175°F (80° C). Higher temperature rare Earth neodymium magnets are available in our store.
# The strong magnetic fields of neodymium magnets can damage items such as television, computer monitors, credit cards, bank cards, computers, diskettes and other data carriers, video tapes, mechanical watches, hearing aids, loud speakers and VCRs. Pace-makers may be damaged or switch to "Test Mode" in the presence of a strong magnetic force, if a pace-maker is in use, keep a minimum of 3 feet distance.
# You should avoid having constant contact with magnets of any size and keep a distance of at least 3 feet to large magnets.
# Children should not be allowed to handle neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body.
# Under no circumstances should you try to cut, saw or drill the Neodymium magnets! Not only would the magnet break, but the resulting dust from the magnet is very flammable. Neodymium magnets should never be burned, as burning them will create toxic fumes.

Why does it say to stand 3 feet away from large magnets? o_o
 
Draven said:
Hey, a quick question for anyone that knows... in these rules on that site...
...
Why does it say to stand 3 feet away from large magnets? o_o

Because they've been burnt by a lawsuit or have lawyers employed to keep them from being burnt. You're reading the disclaimers to protect them from all this.
 
Phrak said:
If you happen to salvage a Neodymium magnet out of a hard drive it will be a quadrapole...

Wow, I had no idea those existed.

Because they've been burnt by a lawsuit or have lawyers employed to keep them from being burnt. You're reading the disclaimers to protect them from all this.
Ah...
 
Draven said:
Why does it say to stand 3 feet away from large magnets? o_o

Weird. Why buy them if you can't get near them, indeed.

However, some large magnets are very dangerous. I own several that could break your fingers if you let them get between a pair. And even small magnets that look harmless can give you a nasty pinch and resulting blood blister or crushing injury.

-- http://www.ian.org/"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: quadrapoles.

Draven said:
Wow, I had no idea those existed.

I see this could be confusing. There are two north poles and two south poles. It just happens to be the arrangment that is best for moving the read/write arm over the surface.
 
  • #10
However, there is no such thing as a magnet with one pole. Correct?
 
  • #12
Oh I see, that's cool.
 

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