On a basic level why can't monopoles exist?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of magnetic fields created by positive electric charges. It questions how there can be two poles in a magnetic field created by a single positive charge and why this field is not considered a monopole. The idea of magnetic monopoles is also brought up and it is explained that if they existed, there would be magnetic field lines coming out of a surrounding sphere without any going in. The concept of neat circles for magnetic field lines from a moving charge is mentioned, and it is described as one of the Maxwell equations.
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Homework Statement



If a positive electric charge can create a magnetic field (because all you need to create a magnetic field is a moving charge), how is there 2 poles in this magnetic field created by this positive electric charge. Why isn't the magnetic field created by a single positive electric charge considered a monopole?
 
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  • #2
Are we mixing up things ? In your description, where exactly do you locate the 2 poles you mention ?
 
  • #3
Other approach: if there were magnetic monopoles, there would be magnetic field lines coming out of e.g. a sphere surrounding such a thingy -- without magnetic field lines going in. But the magnetic field lines from a moving charge are neat circles, all of them. No beginning, no end.

The sophisticated way to express this is ##\nabla\cdot{\bf \vec B}=0##, one of the Maxwell equations
 

Related to On a basic level why can't monopoles exist?

1. What is a monopole?

A monopole is a hypothetical particle with only one magnetic pole, either a north or south pole, instead of the usual two poles found in traditional magnets.

2. Why can't monopoles exist?

According to the laws of electromagnetism, magnetic poles always come in pairs, meaning that a single magnetic pole cannot exist on its own. This is known as the "no-monopole" rule.

3. Can monopoles be created in a laboratory?

While monopoles have not been observed in nature, scientists have been able to create artificial monopoles in high-energy particle accelerators. However, these monopoles quickly decay into smaller particles, making it difficult to study their properties.

4. What is the significance of monopoles in physics?

The existence of monopoles would have significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. It would challenge the current theories and open up new avenues for research in fields such as quantum mechanics and high-energy physics.

5. Are there any real-life applications for monopoles?

While monopoles may have potential applications in areas such as magnetic storage and transportation, their existence is still theoretical and requires further research. However, studying monopoles can lead to advancements in our understanding of electromagnetism and potentially lead to new technologies in the future.

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