Question

Which of the following do not exist?

• A. Electric dipoles
• B. Electric monopoles
• C. Magnetic monopoles
• D. Magnetic dipoles

Hint:

Remember that while electric dipoles and magnetic dipoles are common and well-observed phenomena, magnetic monopoles have never been experimentally observed, and they remain a theoretical concept in physics.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze the existence of Electric Dipoles.
An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by some distance. For example, a molecule such as water (\(H_2O\)) has a permanent dipole moment.
Electric dipoles are common in nature and exist in many physical systems, including molecules and capacitors.

Step 2: Analyze the existence of Electric Monopoles.
Electric monopoles are hypothetical particles with a single electric charge (either positive or negative).
According to the theory of electromagnetism, there are no isolated positive or negative charges that can exist independently without their opposites.
In other words, electric monopoles do not exist in nature as isolated charges. All electric charges are found as dipoles or in combinations that result in neutral systems.

Step 3: Analyze the existence of Magnetic Dipoles.
Magnetic dipoles, like those in bar magnets or the Earth's magnetic field, consist of two magnetic poles (north and south) separated by a distance.
These are commonly observed in nature and are found in many systems, including the magnetic fields generated by electric currents or the alignment of magnetic materials.
Step 4: Analyze the existence of Magnetic Monopoles.
Magnetic monopoles are theoretical particles that have only one magnetic pole (either north or south).
Despite being predicted by some theories, such as certain grand unified theories in physics, magnetic monopoles have never been observed in nature.
Maxwell's equations, which describe classical electromagnetism, do not permit the existence of isolated magnetic monopoles. All magnetic fields are dipolar, meaning they have both a north and south pole.
Step 5: Conclusion.
From the above analysis, we can conclude that magnetic monopoles are the only entities that do not exist in nature, based on current scientific knowledge.