What are the key differences between the North and South Poles of a magnet?

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The discussion clarifies the differences between the north and south poles of a magnet, emphasizing that magnetic field lines originate from one pole and terminate at the other, with their directions being opposite relative to the surface of the magnet. The magnetic field is generated by electrical currents, with the magnetic moment of an atom or nucleus arising from spinning electrical charges. Participants sought further clarification on concepts like the magnetic moment and the surfaces referenced, leading to suggestions to explore "Ampere's Law" and "Biot-Savart" for deeper understanding. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by students with limited resources in understanding physics. Overall, the exchange provided valuable insights into magnetism and encouraged further research.
MPonte
What is the difference between the north pole and the south pole of a magnet?
 
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One way of thinking about it is that magnetic field lines start at one pole and end at the other. In other words, the direction of the field at each of the poles is the reverse of the other relative to the surface. Ulitmately, the magnetic field is the result of an electrical current (you can think of the magnetic moment of an atom or nucleus as arising from a spinning electrical charge, i.e. a current) with the direction of the field being related to the direction of the current. Clearly, the direction of the magnetic field produced by a current depends on position relative to the current.
 
Thank you very much.
But due to my weak english understanding your explanation raise on me some doubts.

"One way of thinking about it is that magnetic field lines start at one pole and end at the other. In other words, the direction of the field at each of the poles is the reverse of the other relative to the surface."

Which surface?

"you can think of the magnetic moment of an atom or nucleus as arising from a spinning electrical charge, i.e. a current"

What is the magnetic moment?

"Clearly, the direction of the magnetic field produced by a current depends on position relative to the current."

Could you try to explain it better?
 
Which surface?

The surface of the poles on the magnet you asked about.

What is the magnetic moment?

That is the magnetic field produced by an atom or nucleus. It is the sum of those magnetic moments that are responsible for the magnetism in the magnet you asked about.

Could you try to explain it better?

Look up "Ampere's Law" and "Biot-Savart" in your textbook. :)
 
Tide said:
Look up "Ampere's Law" and "Biot-Savart" in your textbook. :)
My textbook does not have any information about that. Unfortunely, the portuguese high school physics teaching is very poor. That's my opinion. But I will google for Ampere's Law and Biot-Savart. Thank you very much for your help.
 
For a little visual to go along with Tide's discussion. see this reference
 
Ouabache said:
For a little visual to go along with Tide's discussion. see this reference

Thank you Ouabache. This explication was very clear and simple. It helped a good deal. :smile:
 
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