Magnetism of Hollow Ball: Exploring the Effects

In summary, when two hemispheric magnets with S on the outer surface and N on the inner surface are put together to form a hollow ball with no empty space in the interface, the magnetic field will have a complicated arrangement. While no net field leaves the ball, there will be field lines leaving at some points and entering at others. This means that the field lines leaving at the inner surface can pass through the ball and enter at some points at the outer surface. Despite this, the ball will still be considered a magnet due to the presence of "magnetic pressure" that tries to push it apart.
  • #1
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There are two hemispheric magnets, both of them have S on the outer surface and N on the inner surface. If I put them together to form a hollow ball, assuming they are so close that no empty space in the interface, what happens to the magnetic field (inside and outside)?

Since magnetic field lines must start from N and end at S, what I think is that the field line will not "come out" from the inner surface any more as it cannot connect to the outer surface of the magnet. So this ball is not longer a magnet, is it right?
 
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  • #2
That arrangement will have a complicated magnetic field. While no net field leaves the ball, there will be field lines leaving at some points and entering at others.
 
  • #3
There will also be "magnetic pressure" trying to push the hollow ball apart (as would be felt while trying to push the two halves together). So it will still be a magnet. I'd love to be able to try this.
 
  • #4
clem said:
there will be field lines leaving at some points and entering at others.

Do you mean the field lines leaving at the inner surface can pass through the ball somehow and enter at some points at the outer surface?
 
  • #5
Yes.
 

1. What is magnetism and how does it work?

Magnetism is a natural phenomenon in which certain materials have the ability to attract or repel each other. It is caused by the alignment of the magnetic fields within these materials, which are created by the movement of electric charges within the atoms.

2. How does the shape of a hollow ball affect its magnetism?

The shape of a hollow ball can affect its magnetism in various ways. For example, the curvature of the ball's surface can affect the strength and direction of its magnetic field. Additionally, the thickness and material of the ball's shell can also impact its magnetic properties.

3. Can a hollow ball have magnetism even if it is not made of a magnetic material?

Yes, a hollow ball can have magnetism even if it is not made of a magnetic material. This is because magnetism is a property of the material's atomic structure and can be induced by external magnetic fields, regardless of the material's composition.

4. How can the magnetism of a hollow ball be measured and quantified?

The magnetism of a hollow ball can be measured using a magnetometer, which is a device that can detect the strength and direction of a magnetic field. The resulting measurements can then be quantified using units such as gauss or tesla.

5. What are some potential applications of exploring the effects of magnetism on hollow balls?

Studying the effects of magnetism on hollow balls can have practical applications in various industries. For example, it can help in the development of more efficient magnetic storage devices, such as hard drives. It can also aid in understanding and improving the performance of magnetic sensors and other electromechanical systems.

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