This month's Challenge Question:
Americium-241 is a good alpha emitter. If you
isolate a gram of Americium-241, it emits alpha particles in all directions. An
alpha particle is a positive charge because it consists of two protons and two
neutrons bound together. The emission of alpha particles by the gram of
Americium-241 produces lines of current radiating from the center of the
source. Each line of current generates a magnetic field. The source, then, is a
magnetic monopole. How can this be?
And the Answer is:
Magnetic monopoles do not exist (today). The each current line radiating
outward from the center of the source (Americium-241) produces a
magnetic field; However, the field from each current line is canceled by
the fields from the other rays. (Use the right-hand rule to convince
yourself)
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