Forces on magnets in a uniform magnetic field

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a non-symmetrical magnetic field, such as a Halbach array, experiencing a net force and the use of a rotating wire loop to create a circular magnetic field inside a sphere. It is concluded that a completely uniform field would exert no force and that the arrangement of rotating permanent magnets would have a similar effect to horseshoe magnets placed adjacent to each other.
  • #1
Trak
1
0
If you have uniform magnetic field, would something like a halbach array which has a non symmetrical magnetic field experience a net force? If not, is there any way to shield one side of a magnet so that it would experience a net force?

On a similar note, if you wound a wire around a sphere in such as way as that the loops all had a rotation around a single axis (if that makes sense), would the resulting magnetic field inside this sphere be circular? If so, wouldn't a permanent magnet places in this sphere, with it's magnetic field cutting across the field o the sphere, experience a torque that would cause it to rotate?

To clarify on the sphere, say you wrapped a loop of wire around a sphere, then you wrapped another loop, but rotated your second loop a given number of degrees from the first, and then repeated the process through to 360 degrees.
 
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  • #2
Trak said:
If you have uniform magnetic field, would something like a halbach array which has a non symmetrical magnetic field experience a net force?

Unless I am mistaken, a completely uniform field, impossible as it is to create, would exert no force.

On a similar note, if you wound a wire around a sphere in such as way as that the loops all had a rotation around a single axis (if that makes sense), would the resulting magnetic field inside this sphere be circular? If so, wouldn't a permanent magnet places in this sphere, with it's magnetic field cutting across the field o the sphere, experience a torque that would cause it to rotate?

To clarify on the sphere, say you wrapped a loop of wire around a sphere, then you wrapped another loop, but rotated your second loop a given number of degrees from the first, and then repeated the process through to 360 degrees.

You can derive the resulting field easily, since you can just add the magnetic field of each coil (Superposition Principle). They would just counteract each other, probably resulting in little to no net field inside.
 
  • #3
The rotating pattern of permanent magnets can be continued indefinitely and have the same effect. The effect of this arrangement is roughly similar to many horseshoe magnets placed adjacent to each other, with similar poles touching.
 

1. What is a uniform magnetic field?

A uniform magnetic field is a region in space where the magnetic field strength and direction are constant. This means that all points in the field experience the same force and the field lines are parallel and evenly spaced.

2. How do forces act on magnets in a uniform magnetic field?

In a uniform magnetic field, forces act on magnets due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnetic moment of the magnet. The force exerted on the magnet is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the direction of the magnet's magnetic moment.

3. How can the force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field be calculated?

The force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field can be calculated using the formula F = qvBsinθ, where q is the charge of the magnet, v is its velocity, B is the magnetic field strength, and θ is the angle between the magnet's velocity and the direction of the magnetic field.

4. What is the direction of the force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field?

The direction of the force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the direction of the magnet's magnetic moment. This is known as the right-hand rule, where if you point your thumb in the direction of the magnetic field, and your fingers in the direction of the magnet's magnetic moment, the force will be in the direction of your palm.

5. How does the strength of the magnetic field affect the force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field?

The strength of the magnetic field directly affects the force on a magnet in a uniform magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field, the greater the force on the magnet will be. This relationship is also affected by the velocity and charge of the magnet, as well as the angle between the magnet's velocity and the direction of the magnetic field.

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