Is a magnetic field real,or is it just a means of scientific modeling?

Answer 1

They are very real. In point of fact when the sun discharges solar radiation via a flare, you can see it's effects via the northern lights. Those ions hit the magnetic sphere that encompasses the earth and reacts with the atmosphere and creates the lights.

Answer 2

The short answer is, BOTH!!!!

Here's the long answer:

Maybe the question is a little deeper than we all think, because it depends on what you mean by real. If by real you mean "quantifiable, measurable, observable", then yes.

You can use a magnetometer such as a gaussmeter to measure the field strength and direction. More graphic evidence
can be had by putting some iron filings in the vicinity of a bar magnet. The iron filings will tend to follow the field lines, and you'll see the filings pile up near the strongest field, and spread out in the weaker field regions.

Now, magetic forces are far easier to quantify and measure and hence may seem the "realer" quantity, but fields have nicer mathematical properties and tend to be used to describe magnetism more so than the forces. Hence, magnetic fields and the concept of magetic lines of force and equipentials are used alot in modeling.

Last but not least, fields are properities of one body whereas forces such as gravity and EM require two bodies to describe; thus, fields can be considered more fundamental than forces.

Answer 3

magnetic fields are real and can be used as a means of scientific modeling

Answer 4

Have you never tried placing iron shavings on a piece of paper with a magnet underneath?

Answer 5

Its a name given to a real and measurable phenomena

Answer 6

duh, its real!!!!!!!