Quicky on (div)B: No Magnetic Monopoles

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of (div)B = 0 and its relation to the absence of magnetic monopoles. The explanation given is that this equation implies a balance between magnetic southpole and northpole, resulting in a cancelation of any surplus within a closed surface. This leads to the conclusion that there can be no magnetic monopoles.
  • #1
robousy
334
1
Hey there,

can someone give me a nice explanation as to why (div)B = 0 implies there are no magnetic monopoles?

If you could explain mathematically and or intuitively I'd be really grateful as I've 'known' this fact for years, but never really understood.
 
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  • #3
Ok, I'll take a look, thanks!
 
  • #4
To answer that question you would need to rewrite Div B into an integral using gauss' law. The integral you get is the magnetic flux through a closed surface, and this then implies that the magnetic flux through any closed surface is always equal to zero. In other words, there is always a balance between magnetic southpole and magnetic northpole which exactly cancels out, so that there cannot be a surplus of one or the other inside a closed surface. This again means that there can be no magnetic monopoles.
 

1. What is the concept of "Quicky on (div)B: No Magnetic Monopoles"?

The concept of "Quicky on (div)B: No Magnetic Monopoles" refers to the principle known as Gauss's law for magnetism, which states that the divergence of the magnetic field (divB) is equal to zero. This means that there are no magnetic monopoles, or isolated magnetic charges, in the universe.

2. Why is it important to study the absence of magnetic monopoles?

Studying the absence of magnetic monopoles is important because it provides evidence for the fundamental laws of electromagnetism, including Gauss's law for magnetism. Additionally, the presence of magnetic monopoles would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and could potentially change the way we approach certain problems in physics.

3. How is the absence of magnetic monopoles related to Maxwell's equations?

The absence of magnetic monopoles is related to Maxwell's equations, which are a set of four fundamental equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. The third equation, known as Gauss's law for magnetism, states that the divergence of the magnetic field is equal to zero, thus proving the absence of magnetic monopoles.

4. Are there any exceptions to the absence of magnetic monopoles?

As of now, there have been no confirmed exceptions to the absence of magnetic monopoles. However, some theories suggest that in certain extreme conditions, such as in high-energy particle collisions or in the early universe, magnetic monopoles may have existed. These theories are still being studied and have yet to be confirmed.

5. What are the potential applications of the absence of magnetic monopoles?

The absence of magnetic monopoles has significant implications for our understanding of electromagnetism and the laws that govern it. It also has practical applications in various fields, such as in the development of magnetic materials and technologies, such as MRI machines and magnetic levitation devices.

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