Is My Magnet's Behavior Influenced by the Metal Plate?

AI Thread Summary
The behavior of a neodymium magnet on a ferrous metal plate is influenced by the symmetry of the magnetic field. When the magnet is positioned on its edge in the center of the plate, the magnetic field remains symmetrical, allowing for easy rotation. However, when placed on the rounded edge of the plate, the asymmetry causes the magnet to self-align with the edge, making rotation more difficult. This is due to the change in magnetic field alignment when attempting to rotate the magnet, which creates a stretched field. Understanding these interactions can clarify how magnets behave in different orientations relative to ferrous materials.
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Hello all!, first post here we go!

I was hoping someone could answer a question for me because I can’t find the answer online. Or maybe point me to a magnetic field’s for dummies website..

I’ve been playing with a neodymium magnet shaped like a coin for a few days (yes easily occupied) and I’ve noticed, when I stand the magnet up on its edge, on a flat, ferrous metal plate, I can rotate it quite easily, the plate is about 10mm thick and has smooth rounded edges. When I stand the magnet on the rounded edge of the plate, the N S poles snap, a-posed to the length of material.. (heads N, tails S) and it’s much harder to rotate, why is this? Does the magnet induce a second magnetic field in the edges of the metal plate?

Thanks for taking the time👍🏻
 
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When the magnet is on it's edge, in the middle of the plate, the field is symmetrical. There is no change in field on rotation.
When the magnet is on it's edge, stuck to the edge of the metal sheet, the nearby metal is NOT symmetric so the magnet should self align across the edge. Attempting to rotate the magnet will change the magnetic field to be out of alignment with the edge when the field will be more stretched.
 
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