Magnetic Dipole
A magnetic dipole is a magnetic entity that has two opposite poles: a north pole and a south pole. It can be represented as a small bar magnet, where the magnetic field lines emerge from the north pole and loop back to the south pole. Magnetic dipoles are fundamental in understanding how magnets work and are essential in various applications, including electric motors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In physics, magnetic dipoles can also refer to the magnetic moments of particles, such as electrons. These dipoles interact with external magnetic fields, leading to phenomena like torque and alignment. The concept is crucial in fields like electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, influencing technologies such as data storage and telecommunications.