Does a straight wire or Electron have a north and south magnetic pole?

In summary, the conversation discusses the presence of magnetic poles in wires and the differences between electric and magnetic fields. It is explained that a straight wire does not have distinct poles like a coil of wire or bar magnet, and that the magnetic field is continuous and symmetrical around the line of charge flow. It is also noted that while electric fields have a start and end point, magnetic fields do not.
  • #1
nemesiswes
81
0
So does a wire actually have a magnetic north and south pole? I know a coil of wire will form one but a straight wire will only attract another wire if the other wire's current is going in the opposite direction and repel if in the same direction. I have looked for images and they always just show a magnetic field circling the wire with no apparent end like a bar magnet or coil of wire has.


2nd.
Does a electron in motion have a magnetic north or south?
 
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  • #2
You need to ask yourself what a magnetic pole is. What is it about a coil that produces 'poles'? You could even ask 'where' the actual pole of a coil of wire is. You have seen pictures of the field lines around various arrangements of wires and magnets.
Magnetic lines of flux are continuous and it's only in localised regions where they are closer together that we can identify a magnetic pole.
Straight wires and traveling electrons will generate a field but that field is symmetrical around the line of charge flow and are not 'scrunched up' anywhere.
 
  • #3
So then that is why it is said that magnetic fields don't end or start at anywhere? Electric charges have a start point and end point obviously but then a magnetic field doesn't actually have any start or end right?
 
  • #4
Correct. The two fields are very different in that respect.
 
  • #5


As a scientist, it is important to clarify that a straight wire does not have a magnetic north and south pole in the same sense as a bar magnet or a coil of wire. The magnetic field around a straight wire is created by the flow of current through the wire, and this field is circular and continuous around the wire. It does not have a distinct end or pole like a bar magnet does. The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the direction of the current flow in the wire, as you have mentioned with the attraction and repulsion of wires with opposite and same current directions.

In regards to electrons in motion, they do have a magnetic field associated with them due to their charge and motion. However, this field is much weaker than the magnetic field of a wire or a magnet. This is because the magnetic field of an electron is determined by its spin, which is a quantum property that is difficult to visualize or measure in everyday objects. So while an electron in motion does have a magnetic field, it is not the same as the magnetic field of a wire or a magnet.
 

1. Does a straight wire have a north and south magnetic pole?

Yes, a straight wire does have a north and south magnetic pole. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around the wire. The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule, with the thumb pointing in the direction of the current and the fingers curling in the direction of the magnetic field.

2. Can a straight wire's north and south magnetic poles be reversed?

Yes, the north and south magnetic poles of a straight wire can be reversed by changing the direction of the electric current flowing through the wire. This can be done by reversing the direction of the battery or power source connected to the wire.

3. Do electrons have a north and south magnetic pole?

No, individual electrons do not have a north and south magnetic pole. However, when a large number of electrons are moving in the same direction, they create a magnetic field similar to a straight wire. This is how magnets are made.

4. Can a single electron be used to create a magnetic field?

No, a single electron cannot be used to create a magnetic field on its own. The magnetic field of a single electron is too weak to be detected. However, when many electrons are moving in the same direction, their magnetic fields can combine to create a stronger magnetic field.

5. How is the strength of a magnetic field determined for a straight wire or electron?

The strength of a magnetic field for a straight wire or electron is determined by the amount of current flowing through the wire and the distance from the wire or electron. The larger the current and the closer the distance, the stronger the magnetic field will be.

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