Do magnets attract magnetic objects of different mass with equal force?

In summary, the conversation discusses the comparison between magnetic and gravitational forces and how they may vary depending on the mass of the objects involved. It is mentioned that permanent magnets can be thought of as a collection of smaller magnetic dipoles and the magnetic force does not depend on the mass of the objects.
  • #1
jonnyk
81
0
Hi,

Doesn't a magnet attract objects of different mass(consider Point mass), but placed at the same distance from it and of the same magnetic substance, with different forces, similar as is the case with gravitational force with Force=G*mass1*mass2/distance between them^2 ?
For example if an "a" mg iron filing is placed "x" cm from a magnet, will the magnet produce the same or a different force on it as it would on a filing with "b" mg, also placed "x" cm from the magnet?
If different what is the formula for magnetic forces between varying masses?
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Permanent magnets you mean? Yeah you can sort of think of a "magnet" as a collection of smaller magnetic dipoles and then superpose them, except you must consider that neighboring magnets influence each dipole. But neglecting this will give you a crude approximation.
 
  • #3
The magnetic force does not depend on the mass of either object.
 

FAQ: Do magnets attract magnetic objects of different mass with equal force?

Does the mass of a magnetic object affect its attraction to a magnet?

Yes, the mass of a magnetic object does affect its attraction to a magnet. However, the force of attraction between a magnet and a magnetic object is not solely determined by mass.

Will a magnet attract a heavier object more strongly than a lighter object?

No, not necessarily. While a heavier object may have a greater gravitational force, the magnetic force between a magnet and a magnetic object depends on the strength of the magnet and the properties of the object's magnetic field.

Does the distance between a magnet and a magnetic object affect the strength of their attraction?

Yes, the distance between a magnet and a magnetic object does affect the strength of their attraction. The force of attraction between two magnetic objects decreases as the distance between them increases.

How does the strength of a magnet affect its attraction to magnetic objects of different masses?

The strength of a magnet directly affects its attraction to magnetic objects of different masses. A stronger magnet will have a greater force of attraction on a magnetic object compared to a weaker magnet.

Can a magnet attract magnetic objects of different masses with equal force?

No, a magnet cannot attract magnetic objects of different masses with equal force. The force of attraction between a magnet and a magnetic object is dependent on various factors such as the strength of the magnet, the properties of the object's magnetic field, and the distance between them.

Back
Top