Why is Bar Magnet Length Referred to as "2l"?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation used for the length of a bar magnet, specifically why it is referred to as "2l" instead of simply "l". Participants explore the implications of this notation in the context of formulas and calculations related to magnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reasoning behind using "2l" instead of "l", seeking a layman's explanation.
  • Another participant suggests that the notation may simplify formulas, as it avoids the need to use "l/2" in calculations.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that "l" refers to the length of a single magnetic pole, implying that "2l" represents the total length of the magnet, combining both poles.
  • One participant agrees with the idea that using "2l" can lead to cleaner expressions in mathematical formulas, drawing a parallel to using radius instead of diameter in area calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the notation, with no consensus reached on a singular explanation for the use of "2l".

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "l" and the context in which "2l" is used remain unresolved, as well as the implications for mathematical expressions.

logearav
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folks,
in higher secondary books i came across magnet's length that is bar magnet's length is given as " 2l" that is 2 multiplied by l. my question is " why the length is not referred as 'l' the usual way of referring length.
please clarify in layman terms.
thanks in advance
logesh aravindan
 
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i am a poor one in english but iff i understund : they make that in order to have a simple formula ;because(may be) they will divid by 2 so in the place to have this ugly (l/2) they just have this beautiful (l). and i recall that in the baccalaureat exam of this year ,they gave us (2l) in order to pertutbate you .
 
i don't understand please clarify lucidly
 
I would have to see the book, but I'm assuming the l is referring to the length of a single pole, so the total length of the magnet is 2l. That is l of the north and l of the south combined.

CraigD, AMInstP
www.cymek.com
 
arkhammedos is right. Often the length is given as '2l' so the 2 will cancel out and leave a cleaner expression.

It is like choosing radius and not diameter so we can write [tex]A=\pi r^2[/tex] and not [tex]A=\frac{\pi D^2}{4}[/tex]
 

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