Center Pole Magnet: Can It Exist?

AI Thread Summary
A center-pole magnet, defined as having one pole at the center and the other facing outward in all directions, is not possible due to the nature of magnetic fields. The principle of div B = 0 indicates that there cannot be a net magnetic flux emerging from a closed surface, which a center-pole magnet would create. The molecular structure of magnets would also lead to dipoles canceling each other out, preventing the formation of such a magnet. The discussion confirms that common sense aligns with the scientific explanation regarding magnetic properties. Therefore, a center-pole magnet cannot exist.
SaMx
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I want you to help me settle an arguement. 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 arguement. 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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