Magnetic Monopoles: Size, Quantization, and Existence in Space

In summary, the smallest magnetic charge a magnetic monopole can have is determined by the gauge of the field theory and is considered to be a point particle in QFT. The quantization of magnetic charges is inversely related to electric charges due to the Dirac-quantization phenomenon. It is possible for two oppositely charged magnetic monopoles to exist as dipoles, but the wavelength of radiation such a dipole would absorb is unknown. Monopoles are thought to cancel out the galactic magnetic field if they existed in large numbers, but a magnetic dipole of this type would not have the same effect. Monopoles are generally considered to exist in space rather than dipoles because electric charges tend to stay
  • #1
Rothiemurchus
203
1
What is the size of the smallest magnetic charge a magnetic monopole can have? And why are magnetic charges quantized inversely to electric charges?
Also,can two oppositely charged magnetic monopoles exist as dipoles like for example + -.And what wavelength of radiation would such a dipole absorb?
How do monopoles cancel out the galactic magnetic field (if monopoles existed in large numbers,apparently,this would happen.A magnetic dipole of the type I have mentioned would not cancel out a magnetic field,would it)?
And why is it generally considered that there would be monopoles in space and not dipoles (electric charges tend to stay togther)?
 
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  • #2
Magnetic monopoles are looked at as being point particles in QFT. Like i stated before, for example in the dual abelian Higgsmodell, they are used in order to describe the dual analogon of the Meissner-effect that pushes the magnetic field lines out of a superconductive specimen...The actual charge of such a monopole is determined in those points of the space-time where the gauge of the field theory is undetermined. This means, where this gauge becomes singular...

regards
marlon
 
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  • #3
I attached a document i which i answer to your question of quantization of magnetic charge. The reason for this phenomenon is the Dirac-quantization which makes sure that the Dirac string is not noticable when you pass through a surface that is subtended by a deformed world-line

regards
marlon
 

Related to Magnetic Monopoles: Size, Quantization, and Existence in Space

1. What is a magnetic monopole?

A magnetic monopole is a hypothetical particle with a single magnetic pole, either a north pole or a south pole, without an opposite pole. This means that unlike traditional magnets, which have both a north and south pole, a magnetic monopole would only have one pole.

2. How big are magnetic monopoles?

The size of a magnetic monopole is a subject of ongoing research and is not currently known. Some theories suggest that they could be subatomic in size, while others propose that they could be much larger.

3. Are magnetic monopoles quantized?

According to the standard model of particle physics, all fundamental particles have a quantized property, meaning they can only have certain discrete values. However, the quantization of magnetic monopoles is still a topic of debate and has not been definitively proven.

4. Do magnetic monopoles exist in space?

Although magnetic monopoles have not been directly observed, some theories in physics, such as Grand Unified Theories, predict their existence. However, experiments have yet to find conclusive evidence for their existence, and their existence in space is still a topic of ongoing research.

5. What are the potential applications of magnetic monopoles?

If magnetic monopoles are proven to exist, they could have a significant impact on our understanding of fundamental physics and could potentially lead to new technologies, such as more efficient data storage and faster computing. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential applications of magnetic monopoles.

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