Imagine a hollow iron sphere, say 6" in diameter and 1" thick. OK, you cut this sphere in half and magnetize it such that both pieces are N on the outside and S on the inside. What would happen if you forced the 2 pieces back together? It SEEMS like the S pole would be trapped on the inside, unable to connect to the N but that would be a monopole which doesn't exist, so what would happen?
2006-07-09 05:03:16 · 4 answers · asked by AmigaJoe 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
To Volume Watcher: Wrap around? To where? The unenclosed pole would stick straight out like hair since it can't penetrate back throught the metal of the sphere...
2006-07-09 06:45:08 · update #1
No. Consider Maxwell's equations: Del dot H = 0. Unless Maxwell was wrong, a magnetic monopole can not exist.
One responder proposes that an electron or positron is a monopole. It is, but it is not a magnetic monopole. Maxwell allows for this case: Del dot E = rho.
In the proponent's question, the reassembled sphere would not have an external magnetic field. The only field would be in the material of the sphere.
2006-07-09 22:35:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would not be a true "monopole" because there still is a south pole where the magnetic field lines would terminate.
Try drawing the field lines - the field lines from the north pole would wrap around and converge in the center where the south pole is located.
Magnets come in many different shapes and configurations, some of which may "appear" to be monopoles - but they are not, and cannot be, because of the nature of the magnetic force.
2006-07-09 06:15:21 · answer #2 · answered by volume_watcher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only one monopole that exists in our universe, and that is the electron/positron. When this particle forms, there is a mass at the opposite side of the electron that is equal to the lines of magnetic force.
In a magnet of any shape or intensity, the poles must become equal or heat energy would be generated that would change the fields. This is seen in a motor where the armature is held so that it cannot turn. When this happens, the coils heat up and burns out the motor.
2006-07-09 15:34:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we assume you make S pole on the inside of both hemisphere.. you would not be able to force them together in the first place. They would repel each other.
You might want to check out wikipedia on what is defined a magnetic monopole.
2006-07-09 05:10:29 · answer #4 · answered by csasanks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋