Is there such thing as magnetic interference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of magnetic interference, specifically whether the presence of nearby materials or magnets affects the magnetic field of a magnet. Participants explore the implications of magnetic fields in relation to different materials and the phenomenon of induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if placing a magnet near a metal will change its magnetic field, even slightly, and whether this phenomenon exists.
  • Another participant suggests that the presence of a material can lead to the ordering of dipole moments in the material, which contributes to the overall magnetic field, drawing an analogy to electric fields.
  • A repeated point emphasizes the ordering of dipole moments and the analogy with electric fields, indicating a potential misunderstanding of terminology, as one participant mentions "electromagnetic interference" in their search for information.
  • A later reply clarifies that the term "interference" is not appropriate in this context, suggesting that "induction" is the correct term and provides a link to further information on magnetic susceptibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology used to describe the phenomenon, with some agreeing on the effects of nearby materials on magnetic fields, while others contest the use of the term "interference." The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriate terminology and the implications of these effects.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like "interference" and "induction," as well as the assumptions about the behavior of dipole moments in different materials. The scope of the discussion does not fully address the complexities of magnetic interactions.

Guest432
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Say I place a magnet on a table, and I have a metal in close proximity. Will its magnetic field change due to the presence of this metal, however minute?

What if I had another magnet or the table itself is made of materials the magnet is slightly attracted to? Does this phenomenon even exist?
 
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Sure, if you put a magnet close to a material the before randomly oriented dipole moments of the electrons inside the material are (partially) ordered, which provides additional contributions to the magnetic field imposed. That's quite analogous to the electric field where the electric dipole moments are also ordered (and/or, if you have a conductor the charge distribution of the medium changes due to the electric force imposed by the imposed electric field).
 
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vanhees71 said:
Sure, if you put a magnet close to a material the before randomly oriented dipole moments of the electrons inside the material are (partially) ordered, which provides additional contributions to the magnetic field imposed. That's quite analogous to the electric field where the electric dipole moments are also ordered (and/or, if you have a conductor the charge distribution of the medium changes due to the electric force imposed by the imposed electric field).
Thanks! My limited googling just yielded electromagnetic interference. Do you have any more information about playing magnetic interference?
 

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