Only one pole in a horseshoe magnet

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In summary, mfb's suggestion of using a series-opposing connection between two horseshoe magnets results in a weak and symmetrical magnetic field.
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Fiona Rozario
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Is it possible for a horseshoe magnet to have only one pole? For example, if i take a horseshoe shaped iron core and wind a conductor such that both the ends of the horseshoe have current flowing in the clockwise direction, then both ends are south poles. Is this possible? In that case how are the domains aligned?
 
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You create the equivalent of two permanent magnets with equal poles held together: The fields will largely cancel each other and you get a complex and weak sum of the two fields.

You cannot create magnetic monopoles that way. While these might exist as elementary particles, no magnetic monopole has ever been found - if they exist at all, they must be incredibly rare.
 
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  • #3
Fiona Rozario said:
Is it possible for a horseshoe magnet to have only one pole? For example, if i take a horseshoe shaped iron core and wind a conductor such that both the ends of the horseshoe have current flowing in the clockwise direction, then both ends are south poles. Is this possible? In that case how are the domains aligned?
As mfb pointed out, you are connecting the two coils in series opposition. This way, you are reducing the net magnetic field inside the magnet by effectively reducing the inductance of the coil (look up series-aiding and series-opposing coil connections).
 
  • #4
mfb said:
You create the equivalent of two permanent magnets with equal poles held together: The fields will largely cancel each other and you get a complex and weak sum of the two fields.

You cannot create magnetic monopoles that way. While these might exist as elementary particles, no magnetic monopole has ever been found - if they exist at all, they must be incredibly rare.

Thank you...
 
  • #5
Fiona Rozario said:
Is it possible for a horseshoe magnet to have only one pole? For example, if i take a horseshoe shaped iron core and wind a conductor such that both the ends of the horseshoe have current flowing in the clockwise direction, then both ends are south poles. Is this possible? In that case how are the domains aligned?
You are proposing, effectively two solenoids, connected by an iron bar, joining S pole to S pole. I cannot find an image of the fields round that particular setup but the images in this link may give you an idea of what to expect. You will see that the lines of force that you were thinking would somehow disappear will, in fact, bend round from S to N poles. The result will not be symmetrical but those lines will still find their way from N to S, whatever you do with them. In all the possible set ups you can see, the lines are complete - sometimes going through both magnets.
 

FAQ: Only one pole in a horseshoe magnet

1. What does it mean for a horseshoe magnet to have only one pole?

Having only one pole in a horseshoe magnet means that the magnetic field lines are not evenly distributed between the two poles of the magnet. This creates a stronger magnetic field on one side of the magnet, making it act more like a bar magnet with one pole instead of a horseshoe magnet with two poles.

2. How does a horseshoe magnet with one pole differ from a traditional horseshoe magnet?

A traditional horseshoe magnet has two poles, north and south, at opposite ends of the magnet. This allows for an even distribution of magnetic field lines between the two poles. A horseshoe magnet with one pole, on the other hand, has a stronger magnetic field on one side, making it more similar to a bar magnet with one pole.

3. What causes a horseshoe magnet to have only one pole?

This phenomenon is caused by the shape of the horseshoe magnet. The curved shape of the magnet concentrates the magnetic field lines on one side, creating a stronger magnetic field on that side. This is similar to how a bar magnet has a stronger magnetic field at its ends, or poles.

4. Can a horseshoe magnet with one pole still attract other magnets?

Yes, a horseshoe magnet with one pole can still attract other magnets. However, the attraction will be stronger on one side of the magnet due to the concentration of magnetic field lines. This type of magnet is often used in industrial settings where a stronger magnetic field is needed for specific applications.

5. How can a horseshoe magnet with one pole be used in everyday life?

Horseshoe magnets with one pole can be used in a variety of everyday applications, such as in doorbells, speakers, and electric motors. They are also commonly used in industrial settings for lifting and separating metal objects. Additionally, they can be used in science experiments to demonstrate the effects of a non-uniform magnetic field.

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