Neodymium ball magnet field alignment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of magnetization in neodymium ball magnets, specifically exploring the feasibility of creating a magnet with only north poles by slicing a magnetized ball or by embedding magnetized rods in a 3D printed ball. The scope includes theoretical considerations of magnetism and the behavior of magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that slicing a magnetized neodymium ball would result in two magnets, each with its own north and south poles.
  • Another participant suggests that creating a ball with embedded magnetized neodymium rods, all oriented with the north pole facing outward, could yield a mostly north ball.
  • Some participants argue that such a configuration would not function as a magnet and would not produce a magnetic field outside the sphere.
  • There are inquiries about how the individual magnets in the second proposed design would interact with each other.
  • Further questions arise regarding the reaction of the proposed sphere to an external magnet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that slicing a magnetized ball results in two separate magnets. However, there is disagreement regarding the effectiveness of the second proposed design, with some asserting it would not create a magnet at all.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in understanding the underlying principles of magnetism, indicating a need for further clarification on how magnetic fields operate in the proposed configurations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in magnetism, physics students, and those exploring theoretical applications of magnetic materials may find this discussion relevant.

r3born
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If a magnetised neodymium ball has a definite north and south point, could you slice the ball in two, and weld 2 "north" halves together, to create an entirely north ball? If this is impossible, how about designing a ball made in, say, a 3D printer, then embed it with small magnetised neodymium rods, all with the North point facing outwards? Would this give you an entirely/mostly "north" ball?
 
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because magnetization happens at a very small level, when you cut a magnet in two, you actually get two magnets each with its own north and south.
 
gsal said:
because magnetization happens at a very small level, when you cut a magnet in two, you actually get two magnets each with its own north and south.

Figured that would be the answer for the first approach, how about the second idea? how would the individual magnets interact with each other?
 
That would be a complicated NO magnet at all. There would be no B field outside the sphere.
 
clem said:
That would be a complicated NO magnet at all. There would be no B field outside the sphere.

How would said sphere react to a second, separate magnet?
 
It wouldn't.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It wouldn't.

Any chance of some elaboration? (if that's possible) Sorry for being a pain!
 
We have told you that such a configuration is not a magnet. What more can be said?
 
Hoping to learn the "why", only now getting into physics and there's still much to learn for me.
 

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