Why do these neodymium magnets seem to have 2 dipoles?

In summary, when two 2 .5" x .5" cylinder neodymium magnets are attached sideways with one magnet's N pole closest to the other magnet's S pole and vice versa, they are attracted to each other. However, when one magnet is held stationary and the other is rotated around, there is a perpendicular magnetic field that aligns the magnets so that the same edges are always attracted to each other, regardless of how much they are rotated. This stable state is observed in both side and top views. However, the same effect could not be replicated with the speaker's neodymium magnets. The reason for this phenomenon is unknown.
  • #1
protonic_mass
16
1
If you take 2 .5" x .5" cylinder neodymium magnets, and attach them sideways with N of first closest to the S of the 2nd and vice versa, they are attracted.

However, when one is held stationary, and the other is rotated around, its seems that there is a perpendicular magnetic field that aligns the magnets so the same edges are attracted to each other no matter how much you attempt to rotate them around.

why is this?

eg.

# side view

N S
[][]
S N

# top view

( >)(< ) # these "right angle poles" are at a stable state

(< )( >) # when rotated 180 degrees, there is very high resistance, and then revert back to the above state when you let go.
 
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  • #2
I couldn't replicate the problem with my neodymium magnets.
 

FAQ: Why do these neodymium magnets seem to have 2 dipoles?

Why do neodymium magnets have 2 dipoles?

Neodymium magnets have 2 dipoles because they are composed of two opposing poles, a north pole and a south pole, which create a magnetic field. This is due to the alignment of the atoms within the magnet, which results in the north and south poles being separated.

How do neodymium magnets have 2 dipoles?

Neodymium magnets have 2 dipoles due to the arrangement of their atoms. The atoms are aligned in a specific way that creates a north and south pole, resulting in a magnetic field. This is also known as the dipole moment.

What causes the formation of 2 dipoles in neodymium magnets?

The formation of 2 dipoles in neodymium magnets is caused by the alignment of the atoms in the material. The atoms are arranged in a way that creates a north and south pole, resulting in a magnetic field. This is due to the strong magnetic properties of neodymium, a rare earth element.

Are all neodymium magnets double dipoles?

Yes, all neodymium magnets have 2 dipoles. This is because of the way they are manufactured and the properties of the material. Neodymium magnets are composed of two opposing poles, a north and south pole, which create a magnetic field.

Can neodymium magnets have more than 2 dipoles?

No, neodymium magnets cannot have more than 2 dipoles. The atoms in the material are arranged in a specific way that creates only 2 opposing poles, resulting in a magnetic field. It is not possible for neodymium magnets to have more than 2 dipoles due to their inherent magnetic properties.

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