Understanding Magnetic Fields: N and S Pole Placement in Current-Carrying Wires

AI Thread Summary
A current-carrying wire generates a magnetic field that circulates radially around it, similar to the field produced by a magnet. Although the field is not created by a physical magnet, it still exhibits characteristics of magnetic fields, including the presence of effective north and south poles. The placement of these poles can be conceptualized by considering how small magnets would align in the field. The discussion highlights that magnetic fields can arise from both magnets and electric currents, emphasizing the dual nature of magnetic phenomena. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of electromagnetism.
bfusco
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Homework Statement



Facts that facilitated this train of thought:
-a magnet has a magnetic field that follows a route from the north to south pole.
-no single pole magnet can exist, they must exist in pairs, implying that a magnetic field must always run from a N to a S pole.

question:
if a current carrying wire generates a magnetic field that continuously traces radially around the cylindrical wire, where would the N and S pole be? and why
 
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bfusco said:

Homework Statement



Facts that facilitated this train of thought:
-a magnet has a magnetic field that follows a route from the north to south pole.
-no single pole magnet can exist, they must exist in pairs, implying that a magnetic field must always run from a N to a S pole.

question:
if a current carrying wire generates a magnetic field that continuously traces radially around the cylindrical wire, where would the N and S pole be? and why

Since the magnetic field around the wire is not produced by an actual magnet, why should there be a pole at all?
For any small section of the field, we can work out where/how to pace some physical magnets, with their North and South poles, to create an equivalent local field.
 
ok, i thought that a magnetic field implies the presence of magnetic poles. i guess a magnetic field implies there is either a magnet with poles, or a current. thank you
 
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