If you are familiar with the concept of magnetic monopoles, you may have come across an illustration that looks like this one. The question is, does this illustration really depict magnetic monopoles?
The illustration in question appears in Mechanical Design of Electric Motors by Tong (2014). Although the illustration may look like it is depicting magnetic monopoles, it actually does not.
What are Magnetic Monopoles?
Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that carry a single magnetic charge, similar to electric charges. In contrast, conventional magnets have two magnetic poles, north and south. In conventional magnets, the magnetic field lines emerge from the north pole, curve around the magnet, and enter the south pole.
In contrast, in the presence of monopoles, the magnetic field lines would emerge from the monopoles themselves and create a unique pattern. Physicists have long searched for magnetic monopoles, but so far, none have been observed.
The Misconception of Magnetic Monopoles in Tong’s Illustration
The illustration in question shows what appears to be a monopole at the center of a torus. However, this illustration is a common misconception in many physics textbooks and publications.
The illustration is actually depicting a magnetic dipole, which is a system with two poles. The torus shape is a common way to represent the magnetic field lines around a dipole. The red and blue arrows in the illustration represent the direction of the magnetic field lines.
[Tong's illustration of a magnetic dipole in a torus shape]
Why is the Misconception of Monopoles Harmful?
The misconception of monopoles in Tong’s illustration can be confusing for people who are searching for information on magnetic monopoles. It can also perpetuate a common misconception about the existence of monopoles when, in fact, they remain a theoretical concept.
To avoid confusion between monopoles and dipoles, it is essential to use accurate and appropriate illustrations in scientific publications.
Conclusion
The illustration in Mechanical Design of Electric Motors by Tong (2014) is commonly misinterpreted as depicting magnetic monopoles, but in fact, it shows a magnetic dipole. The existence of magnetic monopoles remains a theoretical concept, and accurate illustrations are essential in scientific publications to avoid confusion and perpetuating misconceptions.
Does This Illustration Depict Magnetic Monopoles?
If you are familiar with the concept of magnetic monopoles, you may have come across an illustration that looks like this one. The question is, does this illustration really depict magnetic monopoles?
The illustration in question appears in Mechanical Design of Electric Motors by Tong (2014). Although the illustration may look like it is depicting magnetic monopoles, it actually does not.
What are Magnetic Monopoles?
Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that carry a single magnetic charge, similar to electric charges. In contrast, conventional magnets have two magnetic poles, north and south. In conventional magnets, the magnetic field lines emerge from the north pole, curve around the magnet, and enter the south pole.
In contrast, in the presence of monopoles, the magnetic field lines would emerge from the monopoles themselves and create a unique pattern. Physicists have long searched for magnetic monopoles, but so far, none have been observed.
The Misconception of Magnetic Monopoles in Tong’s Illustration
The illustration in question shows what appears to be a monopole at the center of a torus. However, this illustration is a common misconception in many physics textbooks and publications.
The illustration is actually depicting a magnetic dipole, which is a system with two poles. The torus shape is a common way to represent the magnetic field lines around a dipole. The red and blue arrows in the illustration represent the direction of the magnetic field lines.
[Tong's illustration of a magnetic dipole in a torus shape]Why is the Misconception of Monopoles Harmful?
The misconception of monopoles in Tong’s illustration can be confusing for people who are searching for information on magnetic monopoles. It can also perpetuate a common misconception about the existence of monopoles when, in fact, they remain a theoretical concept.
To avoid confusion between monopoles and dipoles, it is essential to use accurate and appropriate illustrations in scientific publications.
Conclusion
The illustration in Mechanical Design of Electric Motors by Tong (2014) is commonly misinterpreted as depicting magnetic monopoles, but in fact, it shows a magnetic dipole. The existence of magnetic monopoles remains a theoretical concept, and accurate illustrations are essential in scientific publications to avoid confusion and perpetuating misconceptions.