Magnetism: Poles of Irregular Shapes (Tetrahedron)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the magnetization of irregular shapes, specifically a tetrahedron, and the location of magnetic poles in such geometries. Participants explore theoretical implications and configurations of magnetic poles based on the shape's characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a tetrahedron, when magnetized, could have one pole at a vertex and the other at a face.
  • Others argue that a more realistic configuration would place one pole on the bottom face and the other pole on the three remaining faces.
  • There is a suggestion that a hexahedron, with its equal mass distribution, would have poles located at opposing points, raising questions about whether poles would still be on faces if the shape were altered.
  • One participant notes that any configuration must ensure that magnetic field lines enter and exit appropriately, adhering to the principle that lines cannot cross.
  • A question is raised about how cutting a hexahedron in half to form a tetrahedron would affect the location of the polar regions, suggesting a potential shift of poles from points to faces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the location of magnetic poles in irregular shapes, indicating that multiple competing models exist without a clear consensus on the correct configuration.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the configurations discussed may depend on specific assumptions about the material properties and the nature of magnetization, which remain unresolved.

Lost in Space
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If an irregular shape such as a tetrahedron is magnetised, where will the poles be?
 
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Lost in Space said:
If an irregular shape such as a tetrahedron is magnetised, where will the poles be?

Just think of the tetrahedron as composted of many tiny little magnets.
(As it really is, btw).
 
So one pole could be on a point and the other on a face?
 
I don't think. I see more realistic the "bottom" face one pole and the other three faces another pole.
 
Quinzio said:
I don't think. I see more realistic the "bottom" face one pole and the other three faces another pole.

It's just that a hexahedron would have an equal mass distribution if magnetised so would that mean that the poles would be located on the opposing points or would they still be located on the faces as you suggest?
 
Lost in Space said:
It's just that a hexahedron would have an equal mass distribution if magnetised so would that mean that the poles would be located on the opposing points or would they still be located on the faces as you suggest?

Any configuration can be all right.
You just have to make sure that if a "magnetic field line" goes in, it comes out somewhere, and two lines can never cross. (That is, the divergence over the surface is zero).
Of course only a few "easy"configuration can be obtained in reality.
 
So if the poles were located at the points of the hexahedron and then you were to cut it in half to make a tetrahedron, how would this affect the polar regions of each half? Would the polar region previously located at the point move position to three of the faces as its opposite pole would now be on a face?
 

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