Magnetic length of a bar magnet

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SUMMARY

The magnetic length of a bar magnet differs from its geometrical length due to the complex nature of its magnetic field, particularly near the magnet's ends. While magnetic monopoles can be conceptually placed at the ends for distant field calculations, this assumption fails in close proximity where the field lines become intricate. Resources such as BBC Bitesize and HyperPhysics provide visual representations of these magnetic fields, aiding in understanding the behavior of bar magnets compared to idealized monopoles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic magnetism concepts
  • Familiarity with magnetic field lines
  • Knowledge of magnetic monopoles and their theoretical implications
  • Basic principles of magneto statics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of magnetic monopoles in detail
  • Learn about the magnetic field lines of bar magnets using resources like HyperPhysics
  • Explore the comparison between bar magnets and solenoids
  • Investigate the principles of magneto statics and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying magnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of magnetic fields and bar magnet behavior.

phymathlover
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We just started magneto statics in school and were told about the use of magnetic monopoles for problem-solving reasons. So we were told that the magnetic length of a bar magnet differs from its geometrical length. I can't quite seem to figure out why we can't assume the monopoles to be right at the ends of the magnet. I do know that a bar magnet can be compared to a long solenoid but we haven't yet studied about either of them in detail and I suffer epic fails whenever I try to get ahead of the class. So a detailed explanation would be really helpful, thank you!
 
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I can't quite seem to figure out why we can't assume the monopoles to be right at the ends of the magnet.
For the field far away from the magnet, you can. You just have to adjust the strength of those virtual monopoles to the distance between them.
For the field close to the magnet, this is not possible, the field is more complicated.
 
Could you possibly give me a picture or something of the magnetic fields at the end. So that's the reason then? That the magnetic field lines are complicated? I'm still really confused, a little more detail would be really helpful
 
BBC has a good image http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/energy_electricity_forces/magnets_electric_effects/revision/3/. You don't get that field with two monopoles.
 

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