Question

(i) Two magnetic field lines do not intersect each other. Why?
(ii) How is a uniform magnetic field in a given region represented?
Draw a diagram in support of your answer.

Answer 1

Part (i):
Two magnetic field lines do not intersect each other because if they did, it would imply that at the point of intersection, the magnetic field has two directions, which is not possible. A magnetic field has a definite direction at every point, and the lines represent the direction of the magnetic force at each point. Therefore, magnetic field lines cannot cross or intersect, as this would violate the principle of a unique magnetic field direction at each location. If magnetic field lines intersected, it would mean that the magnetic field at the point of intersection would have two directions, which contradicts the basic nature of a magnetic field. Hence, to maintain consistency and clarity in the field, two magnetic field lines cannot intersect each other.

Part (ii):
A uniform magnetic field in a given region is represented by parallel, equally spaced magnetic field lines. These lines run in the same direction and are at equal distances from each other, indicating that the magnetic field strength is constant throughout the region. The direction of the magnetic field is given by the direction of the field lines, and the uniformity implies that the magnetic field has the same magnitude and direction everywhere in the region. When representing this visually, the magnetic field lines are depicted as parallel straight lines that are evenly spaced, showing that the strength and direction of the magnetic field do not change over the region. This is typically seen in a uniform magnetic field created between the poles of a bar magnet or between the plates of a solenoid.