Question

Explain why the magnetic field would not be unique (that is, not have a single value) at a point in space where magnetic field lines might cross. (Consider the direction of the field at such a point.)

a) The magnetic field is zero at points where lines cross.

b) The magnetic field is perpendicular to the lines at points where lines cross.

c) The magnetic field is parallel to the lines at points where lines cross.

d) The magnetic field is undefined at points where lines cross.

Answer 1

The magnetic field would not be unique at a point in space where magnetic field lines might cross because the direction of the field would be ambiguous.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic field would not be unique at a point in space where magnetic field lines might cross because the direction of the field at such a point would be ambiguous. The magnetic field would not be unique at a point in space where magnetic field lines might cross because the direction of the field would be ambiguous.

Magnetic field lines represent the direction of the magnetic field at any given point, and if they were to cross, it would indicate two possible directions of the magnetic field. Since the field cannot have two different directions at the same point, the magnetic field lines cannot cross, and therefore, the field is not unique at that point.