Question concerning the mechanics of a magnet's attractive force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of a magnet's attractive force, specifically examining how the force may change with variations in the magnet's orientation while maintaining a constant distance from an object. The subject area includes concepts from magnetism and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the force exerted by a magnet changes with its tilt, questioning the nature of the "body" being attracted. They consider different types of magnets and scenarios, such as the interaction between a bar magnet and an iron rod or another magnet.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance to consider specific scenarios and encouraging the original poster to think critically about the problem. Multiple interpretations of the question are being explored, particularly regarding the type of magnet and the nature of the object involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of defining the "body" in question and suggest visual aids to better understand magnetic field lines. There is an emphasis on considering practical examples to clarify the inquiry.

BernardRio
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Homework Statement
Question concerning the mechanics
Relevant Equations
no equation
Does a force exerted by a magnet change if we do not change the distance between a magnet and the body, but change the direction of the magnet (tilt)?
 
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:welcome:

You need to attempt this question yourself. What do you think?

By the way, why no equation?
 
BernardRio said:
Does a force exerted by a magnet change if we do not change the distance between a magnet and the body, but change the direction of the magnet (tilt)?
What shape magnet? Horseshoe magnet, bar magnet, cylindrical magnet? Try using Google Images to find images of the lines of force coming out of the poles of the type of magnet you are asking about. See if that helps... :wink:
 
BernardRio said:
Does a force exerted by a magnet change if we do not change the distance between a magnet and the body, but change the direction of the magnet (tilt)?
I think the answer depends on what the "body" is.

Consider an actual physical situation, then ask the question again. For example, you have a bar magnet and an iron rod at some distance apart with their axes along the same line. Rotate the magnet about its mid point by 180o. Does the force that the magnet exerts on the rod change? What if the iron rod is replaced with an identical magnet, initially oriented so that the north poles of the two face each other, and then one of the magnets is rotated?

Interesting question: You are given two identical-looking bars and you are told that one is a piece of soft iron and the other a bar magnet. How can you tell which is which?
 

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