Can Strong Magnetic Fields Effectively Move Water Molecules?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for strong magnetic fields to influence the movement of water molecules, given their polar nature. Participants explore the interactions between magnetic and electric fields, the orientation of water molecules, and the implications of these interactions in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether a strong magnetic field can move water molecules due to their polar nature and seek to understand the required field strength.
  • There is a suggestion that the interaction of magnetic fields with stationary charges is unclear, leading to confusion about the mechanics involved.
  • One participant proposes that since water has an electric dipole, it might be possible to change its orientation in a magnetic field, potentially allowing movement.
  • Another participant distinguishes between magnetic and electric fields, suggesting that a strong electric field at low temperatures might align water molecules instead.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the effects of electric fields on magnetic moments and propose alternative scenarios involving water molecules passing through magnetic fields.
  • It is noted that water molecules are very weakly diamagnetic and would be slightly repelled by a magnetic field, requiring an extremely strong magnet to observe any significant effect.
  • One participant mentions that the effect of an electric field on water appears to be stronger than that of a magnetic field.
  • There is a discussion about the potential dangers of extremely strong magnetic fields, referencing hypothetical scenarios involving lethal effects and interference with electronic devices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the influence of magnetic and electric fields on water molecules, with no consensus reached on the effectiveness of magnetic fields in moving water.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the interactions between magnetic and electric fields, as well as the specific conditions under which water molecules might respond to these fields.

fredreload
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Can a strong magnetic field move water molecules because it is a polar molecule. How strong does the field need to be?
 
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Since when magnetic field interacts with stationary charges?
 
Water molecule has an electric dipole, so if it is possible to change its orientation in magnetic field, maybe it is possible to move it?
 
Have you came across this in your research of this topic?
 
You might be confusing magnetic field with electric field. A strong electric field and low temperature should cause the water molecules to line up. I don't know if this would form a weird solid-ish phase.
 
fredreload said:
How bout giving water a magnetic moment then moving it with electric field?

I don't believe the electric field has any effect on magnetic moments.
 
How about electric field effect on magnet, since electric field attracts or repels charges such as electrons and protons. I should say water molecules being passed through a magnetic field instead of magnetic moment.
 
fredreload said:
How about electric field effect on magnet, since electric field attracts or repels charges such as electrons and protons. I should say water molecules being passed through a magnetic field instead of magnetic moment.

The magnet has a neutral electric charge, so nothing will happen. And water molecules are only very very weakly diamagnetic, and will be very slightly repelled by a magnetic field. But it takes an extremely strong magnet to even notice the effect.
 
  • #10
You are right, the effect of an electric field on water seems to be much stronger.
 
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  • #11
fredreload said:
You are right, the effect of an electric field on water seems to be much stronger.


Interesting. I would not have guessed that the water would have been attracted to the rod.
 
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  • #12
Really? I believe the same effect is achieved with a charged balloon.
 
  • #13
Drakkith said:
...
And water molecules are only very very weakly diamagnetic, and will be very slightly repelled by a magnetic field. But it takes an extremely strong magnet to even notice the effect.

A 10 gigatesla field ... would be lethal even at a distance of 1000 km, tearing tissues due to the diamagnetism of water. At a distance halfway to the moon ... could strip information from the magnetic stripes of all credit cards on Earth.

From [en.wikipedia.org].
 

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