Electric/Magnetic field Inverse square

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of magnetic field over electric field when dealing with the inverse square law. The difference between magnetic and electric fields is mentioned, with the conclusion that only a single magnet or concentrated charge will hold up the inverse square law. The use of electric charges is also discussed, with the explanation that they are difficult to control and can easily leak away, making it easier to work with stable magnets. It is also noted that the magnetic field does not follow the inverse square law due to the absence of magnetic monopoles. The conversation concludes with a request for results or a graph to be shown.
  • #1
superslow991
78
1

Homework Statement


Using magnetic field over electric field

Homework Equations


no equation needed

The Attempt at a Solution


THis may not make sense but did an experiment dealing with the inverse square law and we measured the magnetic field in this case. Want to know is there some type of difference between magnetic field and electric field where we would choose to use the magnetic field over the electric field? for the inverse square law?

[Note: Thread moved to general physics by a mentor]
 
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  • #2
the inverse square law depends on the configuration of the source(s) of the field, only if there is one magnet or a concentrated charge will it hold up
 
  • #3
andrevdh said:
the inverse square law depends on the configuration of the source(s) of the field, only if there is one magnet or a concentrated charge will it hold up
Well we used 2 magnets but my teacher said we could perform the same experiment with just 2 charges and why were we not offered to use an electric fied than magnetic field in this case
 
  • #4
electric charges are difficult to keep control over. they can easily leak away for instance if you come too close to the source spark over can occur. also if the humidity is high (as low as 60% relative humidity) even an insulator can conduct the charge away thereby weakening the source. magnets are quite stable and do not change that readily, so it is much easier to work with them rather than an electrically charged body.
 
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  • #5
Only the monopole field follows the inverse square law. There are no magnetic monopoles so the magnetic field does not follow the inverse square law.
 
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  • #6
could you maybe show us your results or a picture of your graph?
 

1. What is an electric/magnetic field inverse square?

An electric/magnetic field inverse square refers to the relationship between the strength of an electric/magnetic field and the distance from the source of that field. It states that the strength of the field decreases in proportion to the square of the distance from the source.

2. What is the mathematical equation for electric/magnetic field inverse square?

The mathematical equation for electric/magnetic field inverse square is F = k(Qq)/r^2, where F is the force between two charges Q and q, k is the Coulomb's constant, and r is the distance between the two charges.

3. How does the inverse square law apply to electric/magnetic fields?

The inverse square law applies to electric/magnetic fields because electric/magnetic fields are created by charged particles and magnets, which follow this law. As the distance from the source increases, the field strength decreases in proportion to the square of the distance.

4. What are some real-life applications of electric/magnetic field inverse square?

One real-life application of electric/magnetic field inverse square is in the design of antennas for communication devices. The strength of the electric/magnetic field decreases with distance, so the antennas must be designed to compensate for this in order to maintain a strong signal. Another application is in the calculation of gravitational force between objects, as it follows the same inverse square law as electric/magnetic fields.

5. How is the inverse square law related to the intensity of electric/magnetic fields?

The inverse square law is directly related to the intensity of electric/magnetic fields. As the distance from the source increases, the intensity of the field decreases in proportion to the square of the distance. This means that the intensity of the field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

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