Magnetic Dipole

A magnetic dipole is the arrangement of two unlike poles with equal strength and is separated by a short distance. For example, a small bar magnet. The magnetic dipole moment is also known as a magnetic moment. The following article will discuss what magnetic dipole is and the difference between magnetic dipole and electric dipole.

What is a magnetic dipole?

A magnetic dipole is an arrangement of two unlike magnetic poles at very small distances. It denotes the north and south pole of different magnets divided by a small distance. The formula for magnetic dipole moment is 

M = m.d 

Where, 

• ‘m’ is strength of the pole  
• ‘d’ is the distance between north and south pole 

The SI unit for magnetic dipole moment is A*m2 or J/T.

Magnetic dipole moment is experienced when an object is in a specific magnetic field. The magnetic field is unchanged but the object with larger magnetic moments creates larger torques. The direction of the torque, strength depends on the magnitude of the magnetic moment and their placement. Since magnitude and direction play an important role, the magnetic moment is considered as a vector quantity in physics. The magnetic moment is from the south to the north pole inside a magnet. 

Role of a magnetic dipole in different fields

Magnetic dipoles play an important role in one of the breakthroughs in the medical field, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( NMR- spectroscopy). The basic dipole-dipole principle is that two nuclei with a magnetic moment can interact with each other even by being separated. This principle was developed and used in NMR spectroscopy. This is one of the best examinations to find out the structure of proteins, study the dynamics of biomolecules, and even how to create active substances biologically. 

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), magnetic dipole helps in locating the NMR of protons and nuclei of hydrogen, which is present in almost all tissues of the human body. MRI allows a qualitative and non-invasive way to see the brain, spinal cord, and other internal organs. 

Difference between electric dipole and magnetic dipole 

• Magnetic dipole consists of two equal and unlike poles that do not have a separate existence. Whereas an electric pole has two equal and opposite charges that have a separate existence. 

• Secondly, the magnetic dipole’s pole does not move while the electric dipole’s charges can move freely. 

Earth’s magnetic field

One of the common examples of magnetic dipoles is Earth. It has both north and south poles. It is said that a change in a magnetic field can affect living creatures. Even though life on Earth existed in many different magnetic field conditions, it is said that we manage to adapt to this constantly changing environment. The north magnetic pole has been moving at its fastest rate, at 40-60 km/year. 

In addition, the magnetic field strength has been steadily decreasing, which has led to speculations that we may be heading for a magnetic field reversal. Some studies have found a relationship between changes in the Earth’s magnetic field and climate parameters. The change in the magnetic field would cause minor genetic alterations, leading to the extinction of certain species. The climate in the troposphere affects human life all over the world, and therefore a good understanding of long-term climate change and human activities is a top priority. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the concept of magnetic dipole and magnetic dipole moment is discussed. It serves as an important factor in many medicine-related techniques. Application of magnets for medical examination has history and has all grounds for further development. Modern technology advances in the field of magnetic screening allow us to explore the inside of the human body.