Will Magnetic Putty Form a Cube or Sphere When Swallowing a Rare Earth Magnet?

In summary, the conversation discusses the interaction between magnetic putty and a rare Earth magnet. The resulting shape of the putty is predicted to be somewhat spherical but modified by the shape of the magnet, with some flattening at the poles due to the bending of magnetic flux lines.
  • #1
KenCurious
1
0
I've attached a video of magnetic putty swallowing a rare Earth magnet. Will the resulting shape of the putty be cubed like the rare Earth magnet (equal distribution of magnetic forces along the surface) or will the shape be spherical (weird magnetic forces along the edges of the cube)?

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  • #2
Just guessing - the magnetic putty will interact with the lines of magnetic flux, to create the minimum-energy configuration. The flux lines will be modified by the putty. The end result is likely to be somewhat spherical but modified by the shape of the magnet, perhaps with some flattening at the magnet poles as the flux lines bend away sharply there.
 

1. How do two magnets interact with each other?

Two magnets interact through their magnetic fields. The north pole of one magnet attracts the south pole of another magnet, while the north pole of one magnet repels the north pole of another magnet.

2. What is the strength of the interaction between two magnets?

The strength of the interaction between two magnets depends on several factors, such as the distance between the two magnets, the strength of their magnetic fields, and the orientation of their poles.

3. Can the interaction between two magnets be changed?

Yes, the interaction between two magnets can be changed by altering the distance between them, changing the strength of their magnetic fields, or reversing the orientation of their poles.

4. Do two magnets always attract or repel each other?

No, two magnets do not always attract or repel each other. The interaction between two magnets depends on the orientation of their poles. If the north pole of one magnet is brought near the south pole of another magnet, they will attract each other.

5. What happens when two magnets are placed close to each other?

When two magnets are placed close to each other, their magnetic fields interact, resulting in either an attractive or repulsive force between them. The strength of this force depends on the distance between the two magnets and the strength of their magnetic fields.

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