Theoretical Theorys of Magnetic Force and Origin

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around theories of magnetic force, particularly the underlying mechanisms that enable magnetism to operate in a vacuum. Participants explore various theoretical frameworks, including quantum electrodynamics (QED) and classical electrodynamics, while expressing curiosity about alternative explanations beyond established theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of magnetic force, seeking an explanation for how magnetism operates in a vacuum without a visible medium connecting magnetic poles.
  • Another participant suggests that QED provides a robust explanation for magnetic interactions, while classical electrodynamics is also noted as a strong theory, albeit less effective at the quantum level.
  • A participant expresses interest in alternative theories to QED, indicating a desire for deeper or different insights into magnetic force.
  • One reply challenges the initial participant's familiarity with QED literature, suggesting that foundational texts like J.D. Jackson's should be a starting point for understanding the topic.
  • Another participant asserts that QED is currently the best theory available, implying that other theories are either approximations or speculative in nature, and mentions the electromagnetic field as a key component in understanding magnetic interactions.
  • A participant acknowledges the mathematical success of QED but expresses difficulty in visualizing the concept of virtual photons in practical terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement. While some acknowledge QED as a leading theory, others express a desire for alternative explanations, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of magnetic force.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of QED and the visualization of its concepts, suggesting that there may be unresolved assumptions or challenges in comprehending the theory's implications for magnetic force.

BrettJimison
Messages
81
Reaction score
5
Does anyone have a good theory for magnetic force?
No need to talk about domain alignment or electron spin, (although if you have something deeper then just electron spin, id love to hear it)this much is known. I'm talking about the actual FORCE of magnetism. As in: If you are in a vacuum, there must be something between two poles for them to push or pull against each other, since there is NOTHING (or at least seems to be nothing) in space between the two poles, what is causing force? Or put simpler: Why does what one electron is doing in place, effect what another is doing in another place, when their seems to be nothing connecting them?

This is obviously theoretical, since it seems no one really knows what this force is, but I am still interested in anyone's theory! Anyone?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes! I have studied QED quite a bit, but I was looking for some different theorys...
I will look into J.D Jackson's book, thanks!
 
BrettJimison said:
Yes! I have studied QED quite a bit, but I was looking for some different theorys...
I will look into J.D Jackson's book, thanks!

This is a bit puzzling. How have you "studied" QED, and yet, you haven't come across Jackson's classic text? Shouldn't one start from that first?

Zz.
 
BrettJimison said:
Yes! I have studied QED quite a bit, but I was looking for some different theorys...
I have bad news for you: QED is by far the best theory we have today. Unless you develop your own (not in this forum, please), everything else is an approximation to QED or very speculative (or both).

As in: If you are in a vacuum, there must be something between two poles for them to push or pull against each other, since there is NOTHING (or at least seems to be nothing) in space between the two poles
There is the electromagnetic field.
 
Mfb - Yes, I completely agree. I just have a hard time picturing virtual photons . I know it works on the math side, but I have difficulty visualizing it happening in the real world.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Questions related to magnetic shielding separating two like poles
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Magnetic attraction force Question
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do Magnetic Forces Differ Between Magnets and Wires?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the origin of Lorenz force?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Is this analogy between Magnetic Force and Gravitational Force accurate in helping to understand what contributes more to a stronger magnetic force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Charge movement relative to magnetic field frame dependence/invariance
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School A Magnetic Misconception on Divergence 0/Closed Field Lines?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Practical demo - Ferromagnetic attraction at interpole boundary
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Undergrad Homopolar generator question: Magnetic “wake”
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Can nested solenoids trap particles?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K