Why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on why the magnetic field of electrons is circular rather than triangular. Participants emphasize the importance of symmetry in understanding magnetic fields, suggesting that the circular shape arises from the uniform decay of the field in all directions, similar to gravitational fields. Some contributors express frustration with repetitive questions lacking context, urging the need for foundational knowledge in physics. The conversation also touches on the distinction between electric charge and magnetic fields, clarifying that moving electrons generate magnetic fields. Ultimately, the circular nature of the magnetic field is attributed to the inherent properties of electromagnetic forces and the behavior of charged particles.
scientist91
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why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular? (in conductor with current)
 
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Why in the world would you think it might be triangular? Consider symmetry.
 
Doc Al said:
Why in the world would you think it might be triangular? Consider symmetry.

Can you explain deeper please?
 
No, I'd prefer that you explain why you think it might be triangular.

All your posts seem to be short, broad questions (often the same question repeated) with no background or context given. We have no idea what you know or don't know. You really need to find a textbook and begin at the beginning.
 
Doc Al said:
No, I'd prefer that you explain why you think it might be triangular.

All your posts seem to be short, broad questions (often the same question repeated) with no background or context given. We have no idea what you know or don't know. You really need to find a textbook and begin at the beginning.

Why it is circular instead of some other shape, that was my question and why the magnetic field is in that direction instead of the opposite?
 
You just restated the same question and the answer will be the same: why would you think it would be any other shape?
 
russ_watters said:
You just restated the same question and the answer will be the same: why would you think it would be any other shape?

And why would you think it is circular? And is the magnetic field acting like dipole magnet?
 
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scientist91 said:
And why would you think it is circular? And is the magnetic field acting like dipole magnet?

As Doc Al pointed out, symmetry plays a role. Let's start with a simpler question: why do you think that (Newtonian) gravity is "circular", and not hexagonal ?
 
scientist91 said:
why the magnetic field of the electrons is circular instead of triangular? (in conductor with current)

Because if the magnetic field is a tetracontakaihexagon then it would take less work to create a an enneacontagon.
 
  • #10
and is it acting like dipole magnet?
 
  • #11
Is what acting like a dipole magnet? Look, these sort of questions are beginning to get tiresome. As I have said before, we are not your teachers, and as I have said before, the best way to learn this sort of basic science is to READ BOOKS and PAY ATTENTION IN SCHOOL. I am laying into you like this because I still believe your heart is in the right place and you are trying, so simply ignoring your questions would be a disservice - I really do want to help you learn as do all of the people still posting in these threada, but you are persistently ignoring good advice given by knowledgeable people. Continuously posing less-than-coherent questions is not a good way to learn science, and if you wish to learn science, it is important you understand this fact and act on it. I'm sorry to take such a harsh tone, but I believe at this point it needs to be said.
 
  • #12
I'm not sure exactly where this discussion stands right now, but I'm going to take a shot at answering his question.

Scientest91, the magnetic fields surrounding electrons that you see in pictures is called a contour map. You may have seen contour maps when with topography. If you don't understand how to interpret a contour map, you will not be able to understand the magnetic 'circles' around electrons.

The contour lines are circular because the magnetic field around an electron decays with equally in all directions with distance. Gravity works the same way. The further you get from a planet, the less you feel its gravity; and the force you feel will be the same 1 mile away from the planet, in all directions.
 
  • #13
I understand what the guy is saying.

I think it's just because things are circular. Take an arbitrary distance and draw a line. let's say that's how far the magnetic field goes, and then stops. If we assume a consistent medium, then you can imagine that the distance until it stops is the same everywhere around the magnetic body. Thus, a sphere.

The distance where "it stops" is more likely to a chosen magnitude, where say, if you had a magnetic ball, it would be the distance away that it cannot suck in a paper clip. Did I explain that ok? It's circular, spherical, hyperspherical, whatever, because of this.
 
  • #14
These circular shapes are a favorite of the universe. A follow up question that the OP may want to consider is why do air bubbles take a natural spherical shape.
 
  • #15
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields, they have a charge, and therefore there is a Coulombic attraction. I think what you meant to ask is: why is the potential field surrounding an electron spherical?
 
  • #16
billiards said:
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields, they have a charge, and therefore there is a Coulombic attraction. I think what you meant to ask is: why is the potential field surrounding an electron spherical?

Since electrons have charge, an electron in motion would have a magnetic field around it would it not?
 
  • #17
billiards said:
I'm fairly sure electrons don't have magnetic fields...
Moving electrons do.
 
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