Metal Shavings vs infinite lines of flux

[rockyshephear]

You know how metal shavings form bows of flux lines. How is this possible since there are no discrete flux lines. I would think it should form a 2D gradient of shavings slowly graying out as they get further and further away. But you tend to see discrete lines as if at .4 inches there's a line of flux, and at .9 inches there's another one, with nothing in between.

 

[AUMathTutor]

It's because iron shavings aren't fine enough. If you had an infinitely fine iron powder, it would do exactly what you're saying. It's like you having an arbitrary number of circular disks, and not being able to cover your whole floor without overlapping. Sort of. Not really. Still, this answers your question.

 

[rockyshephear]

Cool! Thanks!