Help illustrating magnetic field line vectors and gradients

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the complexity of magnetic field lines around multipolar magnets, specifically a centrally charged disc magnet. Participants critique the provided illustrations, emphasizing the need for accuracy in depicting magnetic field vectors and gradients in the x, y, and z planes. A key reference is made to A. Sommerfeld's "Lectures on Theoretical Physics, Vol. 3," which is noted for its accurate representations of electromagnetic concepts. The distinction between magnetic field vectors (##\vec{B}##) and magnetic field intensity (##\vec{H}##) is highlighted as crucial for proper illustration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic field concepts, including vectors and gradients
  • Familiarity with multipolar magnets and their characteristics
  • Knowledge of the distinction between magnetic field vectors (##\vec{B}##) and magnetic field intensity (##\vec{H}##)
  • Basic skills in diagramming and visual representation of physical concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study A. Sommerfeld's "Lectures on Theoretical Physics, Vol. 3" for accurate electromagnetic illustrations
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of magnetic fields using vector calculus
  • Research techniques for accurately illustrating magnetic field lines and gradients
  • Explore software tools for simulating magnetic fields and visualizing vector fields
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals in electromagnetism, as well as anyone involved in the accurate representation of magnetic field concepts.

magnetics
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Magnetic field lines around multipolar magnets get quite complex. There are local field vectors and field gradients in the x, y, & z plane. In the following diagrams I have tried to illustrate field lines around a centrally (half and half) charged disc magnet. The top diagram represents the field lines and the bottom the field gradients in the xy plane (assuming the xy plane in parallel to the surface and the z plane perpendicular).

I would love for learned PF magnetism experts to critique these illustrations. Thank you.
FieldLines-Zaxis2.jpg

(I realize the colour of these field lines be swapped on the bottom)
FieldLines-XYaxis2.jpg
 
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magnetics said:
I would love for learned PF magnetism experts to critique these illustrations.

Magnetic field lines have no beginning or end. Your drawings show the opposite.
 
Where are these drawings from? They are even worse than the usually not very accurate field-line pictures even in textbooks. Very good ones are in the good old book by Sommerfeld:

A. Sommerfeld, Lectures on theoretical physics, vol. 3 (electromagnetism)

Particularly you have to properly distinguish between ##\vec{B}## and ##\vec{H}## lines!
 

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