Understanding the Repelling Forces of Magnets

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces between magnets, specifically focusing on the scenario where two magnets repel each other. Participants explore how the size and strength of the magnets affect the force experienced when one magnet is replaced by a smaller one. The conversation touches on concepts of magnetic energy, force, and the relationship between the magnets' dimensions and their repelling forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a smaller magnet can still support the same weight when repelled by a larger magnet, given that the repelling force is considered to be around 30kg.
  • Another participant clarifies that the force is proportional to the cross-sectional area of the airgap between the magnets, assuming constant magnetic fields and distance.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the magnetic energy in the airgap produces force, and that the energy density changes when the magnets are brought closer together.
  • It is noted that the concept of "north" and "south" poles inside magnets is not relevant to the discussion of forces between them.
  • Participants discuss that the area of the smaller magnet limits the effective airgap area, which affects the force experienced.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the size of the magnets and the forces they can exert. There is no consensus on whether a smaller magnet can support the same weight as a larger one when repelled by it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the magnetic fields and the conditions under which the forces are measured. The dependence on the cross-sectional area and the energy dynamics in the airgap is highlighted, but these factors remain unresolved in terms of their implications for the scenario presented.

Stoney
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Hi
Just wanted to know,

If I have two magnets of the same size with a pull force of say 30kg and use them to repel each other, the top magnet at a position close to the surface of the bottom magnet would be able to support around 30kg (I know repel force is not measured in kg). If I then replace the top magnet with a smaller one will it still be able to support around 30kg at the same position as it is still being repelled from the bottom one with around 30kg of force?

Thanks
Stoney
 
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Stoney said:
If I then replace the top magnet with a smaller one will it still be able to support around 30kg at the same position as it is still being repelled from the bottom one with around 30kg of force?
What do you mean by "smaller one"?
The force is proportional to the cross section area of the airgap between the magnets, if the B-field, H-field and distance are kept constant.
 
Hesch said:
What do you mean by "smaller one"?
The force is proportional to the cross section area of the airgap between the magnets, if the B-field, H-field and distance are kept constant.

Sorry, say the bottom magnet is 50mm x 25mm x 10mm with a force of 30kg and the smaller top magnet is 50mm x 25mm x 3mm with a force of 9kg, would this top magnet still be able to support around 30kg as it is being repelled by 30kg of force from the bottom magnet. I hope I have explained myself properly. Thanks for your help.
 
Stoney said:
Sorry, say the bottom magnet is 50mm x 25mm x 10mm with a force of 30kg and the smaller top magnet is 50mm x 25mm x 3mm with a force of 9kg, would this top magnet still be able to support around 30kg as it is being repelled by 30kg of force from the bottom magnet.
The magnet itself has no "force". It's the magnetic energy in the airgap that produces force.
The magnetic energy density in the airgap = ½*B*H [ J/m3 ]. If you close up the magnets this energy density will be increased due to changes in the H-field and the B-field. So somebody must add this energy to the airgap, and this is done by using force to close up the magnets.
Energy = force * distance.

That's why magnets are attracting/repelling each other. It has nothing with "north" and "south-poles" inside the magnets to do. They don't exist.

Remember that two magnets will always attract each other with the same force ( not 9kp vs. 30kp ). Newton states that with his law: action = reaction.

The cross section area of the airgap, using two different magnets, must be regarded as the area of the smallets magnet, because this is the area that "limits" the airgap.
 
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Hesch said:
The magnet itself has no "force". It's the magnetic energy in the airgap that produces force.
The magnetic energy density in the airgap = ½*B*H [ J/m3 ]. If you close up the magnets this energy density will be increased due to changes in the H-field and the B-field. So somebody must add this energy to the airgap, and this is done by using force to close up the magnets.
Energy = force * distance.

That's why magnets are attracting/repelling each other. It has nothing with "north" and "south-poles" inside the magnets to do. They don't exist.

Remember that two magnets will always attract each other with the same force ( not 9kp vs. 30kp ). Newton states that with his law: action = reaction.

The cross section area of the airgap, using two different magnets, must be regarded as the area of the smallets magnet, because this is the area that "limits" the airgap.

Ok I think I understand now, thanks for your help.
 

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