Originally posted by Gambeir
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Originally posted by Gambeir
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Key Points
Key Terms
- The magnetic field direction is the same direction a compass needle points, which is tangent to the magnetic field line at any given point.
- The strength of the B-field is inversely proportional to the distance between field lines. It is exactly proportional to the number of lines per unit area perpendicular to the lines.
- A magnetic field line can never cross another field line. The magnetic field is unique at every point in space.
- Magnetic field lines are continuous and unbroken, forming closed loops. Magnetic field lines are defined to begin on the north pole of a magnet and terminate on the south pole.*
Key Terms
- B-field: A synonym for the magnetic field.
- magnetic field lines: A graphical representation of the magnitude and the direction of a magnetic field.
*I copied these points as they appear on the website. I take issue with this last bullet. The last sentence contradicts the previous sentence. How can field line be continuous and unbroken if it starts on the N pole and ends on the S pole. So I would alter that sentence to this:
External magnetic field lines are defined to begin on the north pole of a magnet and terminate on the south pole.
Confusion from the use of N & S poles and an example of why I prefer not to use that designation.
Regards,
bi








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