Can Magnetic Fields Interact and Be Reduced to Scalar Potentials?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the interaction of magnetic fields and whether they can be reduced to scalar potentials like electric fields. It is established that the total electric field is the vector sum of electric fields, and a similar interaction occurs with magnetic fields, as evidenced by the behavior of magnets. However, it is clarified that while electric fields can be represented as scalar potentials, magnetic fields do not share this property. The conversation emphasizes the distinct nature of magnetic fields compared to electric fields in terms of representation and interaction. Overall, magnetic fields interact but cannot be simplified to scalar potentials.
lewis198
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The total electric field is the vector sum of electric fields- is this the case with magnetic fields?
Experience tells me a vector magnetic field can alter another vector magnetic field- for example, when you push two magnets together.
 
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yes.

but while an electric field can be reduced to a scalar potential the magnetic field cannot.
 
Thread 'Motional EMF in Faraday disc, co-rotating magnet axial mean flux'

Thread 'Motional EMF in Faraday disc, co-rotating magnet axial mean flux'

So here is the motional EMF formula. Now I understand the standard Faraday paradox that an axis symmetric field source (like a speaker motor ring magnet) has a magnetic field that is frame invariant under rotation around axis of symmetry. The field is static whether you rotate the magnet or not. So far so good. What puzzles me is this , there is a term average magnetic flux or "azimuthal mean" , this term describes the average magnetic field through the area swept by the rotating Faraday...
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