If you cut a magnet in two, why do you get two magnets?

In summary, the concept of magnetic polarization involves electric charge rather than magnetic charge. The alignment of polarized molecules in a ferromagnetic material, similar to cars in a parking lot, results in an unequal distribution of head-lights and tail-lights. Cutting the material in half does not create two separate magnets, as each half still maintains the same polarized properties. This explanation helps clarify the concept for those learning high school physics.
  • #1
VelocityGirl
2
0
Maybe cut isn't the best word, but you get what I mean.

Surely if all the negative polar molecules move to one side of the magnet and the positive polar molecules move to the other side, and you cut the magnet in the middle, you shouldn't get two more magnets?

I'm still only doing high school physics, so the answer might be blindingly obvious.. :shy:
 
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  • #2
Polar molecules are electric charge polarized not magnetic charge polarized. The magnetization of a ferromagnetic material is due to the small magnetic fields of each atom being aligned in one direction.

Think of the analogy of cars in a parking lot. In a non-magnetic material the cars are turned around randomly. Turn them on and you see an equal number of head-lights and tail-lights from any given direction. Now if you align all the cars then in one direction you only have headlights and in the opposite direction you only have tail lights. Cut the parking lot in half and each half has the same property.
 
  • #3
jambaugh said:
Polar molecules are electric charge polarized not magnetic charge polarized. The magnetization of a ferromagnetic material is due to the small magnetic fields of each atom being aligned in one direction.

Think of the analogy of cars in a parking lot. In a non-magnetic material the cars are turned around randomly. Turn them on and you see an equal number of head-lights and tail-lights from any given direction. Now if you align all the cars then in one direction you only have headlights and in the opposite direction you only have tail lights. Cut the parking lot in half and each half has the same property.

Oh, that makes sense. Thank you! :biggrin:
 
  • #4
jambaugh said:
Think of the analogy of cars in a parking lot. In a non-magnetic material the cars are turned around randomly. Turn them on and you see an equal number of head-lights and tail-lights from any given direction. Now if you align all the cars then in one direction you only have headlights and in the opposite direction you only have tail lights. Cut the parking lot in half and each half has the same property.

That is beautiful. Thank you James!
 
  • #5
Yes, that's great! :!)
 

Related to If you cut a magnet in two, why do you get two magnets?

1. Why do you get two magnets when you cut a magnet in two?

When you cut a magnet in two, each half still contains a north and south pole. The magnetic field lines within the magnet realign and create two separate magnets, each with their own north and south pole.

2. Will both halves of the cut magnet have the same strength?

Yes, both halves of the cut magnet will have the same strength. The strength of a magnet is determined by the alignment of its atoms, not its physical size. Cutting the magnet does not alter the alignment of the atoms, therefore the strength remains the same.

3. What happens if I cut a magnet multiple times?

Each time you cut a magnet, the resulting pieces will still have north and south poles, creating more individual magnets. However, the strength of the magnets will decrease as the pieces become smaller and the atoms become more disorganized.

4. Can I use the two halves of a cut magnet separately?

Yes, you can use the two halves of a cut magnet separately. Each half will function as its own individual magnet with its own north and south poles. This can be useful in situations where you need multiple smaller magnets instead of one larger one.

5. Is it possible to cut a magnet and not get two magnets?

No, it is not possible to cut a magnet and not get two magnets. The magnetic field within the magnet will always realign to create two separate magnets, regardless of the size or shape of the original magnet.

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