- #1
2h2o
- 53
- 0
Homework Statement
"In the data, some of the values are positive and some are negative. What does that mean for the polarity?"
The experiment was to measure the magnetic field, varying angular position, around a standard bar magnet. My field meter did not indicate signed values--that is, no negative values were output. The range of values simply ranged from 4.19T to 0.91T.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm having trouble understanding the meaning of a "negative" magnetic field. I didn't think there really was such a thing--just that magnetic fields are directional. That is, the field lines point from the N pole to the S pole. So by this reasoning, I wasn't surprised to not have any negative B values; until this analysis question.
What I'm thinking is that, if a sign indicator did exist in the data, it would indicate the orientation of the field. But then, what sign indicates which direction?
I'm just having trouble with what the concept of a "negative magnetic field" is. Any insights would be helpful. Thanks!