What Happens to the Magnetic Field in a Hollow Ball of Hemispheric Magnets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of the magnetic field in a hollow ball constructed from two hemispheric magnets, each with specific polar orientations. Participants explore the implications of this arrangement on the magnetic field both inside and outside the ball, considering theoretical and conceptual aspects of magnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the magnetic field lines will not emerge from the inner surface of the hollow ball, implying that it may no longer function as a magnet.
  • Another participant argues that the arrangement will result in a complicated magnetic field, with some field lines leaving and others entering the ball.
  • A different viewpoint introduces the concept of "magnetic pressure," indicating that there will still be magnetic interactions attempting to push the hollow ball apart, suggesting it retains magnetic properties.
  • A follow-up question seeks clarification on whether field lines can pass through the ball from the inner surface to the outer surface.
  • A later reply confirms that field lines can indeed leave at the inner surface and enter at points on the outer surface.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the behavior of the magnetic field in the hollow ball, with some asserting it ceases to be a magnet and others arguing it retains magnetic characteristics.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of magnetic field behavior, and assumptions regarding the nature of magnetic fields in this specific configuration remain unexamined.

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There are two hemispheric magnets, both of them have S on the outer surface and N on the inner surface. If I put them together to form a hollow ball, assuming they are so close that no empty space in the interface, what happens to the magnetic field (inside and outside)?

Since magnetic field lines must start from N and end at S, what I think is that the field line will not "come out" from the inner surface any more as it cannot connect to the outer surface of the magnet. So this ball is not longer a magnet, is it right?
 
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That arrangement will have a complicated magnetic field. While no net field leaves the ball, there will be field lines leaving at some points and entering at others.
 
There will also be "magnetic pressure" trying to push the hollow ball apart (as would be felt while trying to push the two halves together). So it will still be a magnet. I'd love to be able to try this.
 
clem said:
there will be field lines leaving at some points and entering at others.

Do you mean the field lines leaving at the inner surface can pass through the ball somehow and enter at some points at the outer surface?
 
Yes.
 

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