Center Pole Magnet: Can It Exist?

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SUMMARY

A center-pole magnet, defined as a magnet with one pole at the center and the other pole radiating outward, is not feasible. The principle of div B = 0 indicates that there cannot be a net magnetic flux emerging from a closed surface, which contradicts the existence of such a magnet. The molecular structure of magnets would also lead to the cancellation of dipoles, further supporting the impossibility of a center-pole magnet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and dipoles
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's equations, specifically div B = 0
  • Basic knowledge of magnetism and molecular structures
  • Concept of magnetic flux and closed surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Maxwell's equations in detail, focusing on their implications for magnetic fields
  • Research the properties of magnetic dipoles and their interactions
  • Explore the concept of magnetic flux and its applications in physics
  • Investigate alternative magnetic configurations and their feasibility
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of magnetism and magnetic field theory.

SaMx
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I want you to help me settle an argument. Is it possible to have a center-pole magnet? That is, a magnet with one pole at the center, and the other pole facing out in every direction? I think that it isn't, because the molecules would force each other to all face the same direcion, or all of the dipoles of each molecule would cancel out.
 
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SaMx said:
I want you to help me settle an argument. Is it possible to have a center-pole magnet? That is, a magnet with one pole at the center, and the other pole facing out in every direction? I think that it isn't, because the molecules would force each other to all face the same direcion, or all of the dipoles of each molecule would cancel out.

No, it is not possible. The simple answer is that div B = 0, which means that no net magnetic flux can come out of a closed surface. A closed surface around the center pole would have a net magnetic flux going through it.
 
Thanks, I knew I was right. your explanation is a little confusing (I have to admit I don't know all of the magnetic equations, so I'm not sure what B stands for, or why its derivative would be taken), but your answer seems to line up with my common sense.
 

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