Why are magnetic lines of force curved?

Question

Why are the lines of force between the north and south pole of a magnet curved? (eg with iron filings...)

Without referrng to Maxwell's equations (which is just a description), is there a fundamental known reason for this?

Does this relate to relativity or space curvature?
Thanx

Answer 1

The perception of lines of force is merely one of convenience, try and think of magnetic force as acting as a field, rather than in lines.

The field itself isn't curved barring some rotation, but rather when particles are laid out within that field they will arrange themselves in a curved manner. They do so because this curved pattern is the pattern of lowest energy. i.e. the one in which the molecules are in best balance between the opposite poles within the field. They also appear curved because you have an otherwise infinite field being generated by a finite, and non-spherical object... resulting in the most energy effecient layout within the fields having a bent appearance.

If this answer is incorrect, I apologize, it has been a while since I have brushed up on my magnetic theory. If you have your doubts check with your nearest physicist.


Tiger Striped Dog MD

Answer 2

Responder davidi is on the right track. The reason magnetic lines of force are always curved (while electric field lines can be straight) is that magnetic poles always exist in pairs and cannot be infinitely separated (no-one has yet discovered a "monopole"). Therefore the lines must curve to get from one pole to the other. However, it is possible to generate nearly straight magnetic lines of force such as between two magnets whose north and south poles face each other. There is a region between the poles where the line are straight. Also, straight lines of force exist in the center of a solenoid (hollow coil of wire carrying electric current). But eventually these lines must curve to get to the other pole.

Answer 3

Because they 1- must always complete a north to south pole circuit, and 2- repel, or push away from each other's sides.
All the lines are trying to get to the other pole by the shortest route, and as they push each other away they can only stretch and curve outward into space. The attracting force and the repelling forces are then always balanced.

Answer 4

Magnetic shells originate from power sources. Since the origin of the magnetic force is a single point, the force itself has to curve around its source.

Answer 5

Hi. I dont know, but I wanted to tell you, Ur post on skepticism being the easy way out :True skepticism must be unbiased.

Most "skeptics" cannot handle the evidence right in front of their faces. They need the media to back it up, or some authority, thereby acting very sheep-like, and closed minded.

Skepticism = Easy way out

is intelligent. people are aw lays standing up for the skeptics, and putting their intellect on pedestals. no one ever questions why they can't just shut up and settle for some answers that are presented to the. when some get answers, they still have more questions.. so i wonder, are they really looking for answers? or do they just like to hear them selves question everything? i think they feel it gives them the illusion of power, a sort of appeal to not be like everyone who accepts the norm, and questioning, is the intelligent thing to do right?

Answer 6

magnetic lines of force are curved because each planet has its own magnetic field due to rotation arond its own axis and revolution around the sun. for example wen a bar magnet is placed on the surface of earth then due eart's magnetic field it get curved ,that's why we hav neutral points

Answer 7

that is a DAMN GOOD question! in my humble understanding i think it is in an attempt to achieve a lowest energy geometry. i think thae same thing about electrostatics. everything ive been able to read about electromagnetics is maxwell'ian only descriptive by nature,but i understand by more educated folks that some theories are offered that go to a much deeper level.but your geometry has to be non-euclidean so i think ill just punt!