How Does a Vacuum Affect Magnetic Fields?

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In summary, a vacuum does not directly affect magnetic fields, as magnetic fields can exist in both vacuum and matter. However, the presence of a vacuum can influence the behavior of charged particles and electromagnetic waves. In a vacuum, magnetic fields can propagate freely without interference from other materials, allowing for more effective transmission of magnetic forces and electromagnetic radiation compared to environments filled with matter.
  • #1
pete94857
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Magnetic fields in space
Hello,

How does a vacuum effect the distance a d intensity of a magnetic field ?

I've look elsewhere but found conflicting information.
 
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Can you list a couple of your references, and point out how they are in conflict? Thanks.
 
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  • #3
I googled the question and various sites came up and I looked at them. I would say they did not seem to be the types of sites to accept knowledge.

Some say the field would not be affected in strength but the distance the field would travel from the source would be reduced meaning the field would be more compressed to the surface.

Other sources claimed no effect at all.

One source claimed it would not be able to exist in a vacuum.

From my own knowledge. I already know the field will exist in a vacuum, I've taken an interest in the LHC etc. I know the what I would call the medium surrounding the source does make a difference, thinking of magnetic reluctance.

But thinking of reluctance I'm unsure about a vacuum because logically there's zero reluctance. So logically to what I understand the field would extend further. But I'm unsure of the intensity through the distance. I.e 1 radius 4 times less etc
 
  • #4
pete94857 said:
Other sources claimed no effect at all.
That is correct.

pete94857 said:
One source claimed it would not be able to exist in a vacuum.
That is nonsense, so I'd suggest you stay away from that website in the future. :smile:
 
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  • #5
Magnetic fields in vacuum are the reference medium.
The presence of air does not make a difference to the magnetic field.
What other materials are you considering?
 
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  • #6
BTW, remember that light and other Electromagenetic (EM) radiation consists of oscillating electric field and magnetic field waves. They propagate through a vacuum just fine. :wink:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light

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  • #8
Baluncore said:
Magnetic fields in vacuum are the reference medium.
The presence of air does not make a difference to the magnetic field.
What other materials are you considering?
Various gases. Hydrogen, oxygen I know both react differently with the field.

Thank you, I get it now.
 
  • #9
OP's question has been answered, so this thread will be tied off now. Thanks
 
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