A student draws the magnetic field lines for two identical bar magnets placed apart…
PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Magnetism and Electromagnetism · Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Problem
A student draws the magnetic field lines for two identical bar magnets placed 3cm apart with their north poles facing each other. In her diagram she shows:
• Some lines beginning from the south pole and ending on the north pole.
• Several field lines crossing one another in the region between the two magnets.
• Very few lines drawn in the space outside the magnets.
(i) Identify any TWO mistakes in the student’s diagram and state why they are incorrect.
(ii) Redraw the complete magnetic field pattern for this arrangement of like poles facing each other. Show at least five lines emerging from each north pole and sketch the region where field strength is weakest.
(iii) Explain, with reference to your diagram, how the magnetic field strength varies in the space between the two facing north poles compared to the space on the outer sides of the magnets.