Understanding the Repelling Forces of Magnets

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the principles of magnetic repulsion between two magnets, specifically focusing on a scenario involving a larger magnet (50mm x 25mm x 10mm with a pull force of 30kg) and a smaller magnet (50mm x 25mm x 3mm with a pull force of 9kg). The key conclusion is that the repelling force is not solely dependent on the size of the magnets but rather on the magnetic energy density in the airgap, which is influenced by the cross-sectional area of the smaller magnet. The discussion emphasizes that the force experienced is proportional to the airgap area and the magnetic fields involved, adhering to Newton's third law of motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields (B-field and H-field)
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with magnetic energy density calculations
  • Basic concepts of magnetism and magnetic forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research magnetic energy density calculations using the formula ½*B*H [ J/m3 ]
  • Explore the effects of airgap size on magnetic force in different configurations
  • Study the principles of magnetic repulsion and attraction in various magnet types
  • Investigate practical applications of magnetic forces in engineering and design
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Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and materials science, as well as hobbyists interested in magnet applications and magnetic field behavior.

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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