Fig. 226. AMPÉRIAN CURRENTS IN MAGNETS.
At the north pole of the magnet the direction of the Ampérian currents
is the reverse of that of a watch when the observer faces the pole; the
reverse obtains for the south pole.
The attraction of opposite and repulsion of similar poles is explained
by the actions of the Ampérian currents upon each other. If north and
south pole are placed together these currents will coincide in direction
and hence will attract each other. If two like poles are put together
the currents will have opposite directions and will repel each other.
No energy is supposed to be required to maintain currents around or in a
single molecule.
Fig. 227. NORTH AND SOUTH POLES OF A MAGNET SHOWING DIRECTION OF
AMPÉRIAN CURRENTS.
Magnetism, Blue.
A term arising from the two fluid theory of magnetism; the magnetism of
the south pole of a magnet. (See Magnetic Fluids.) The magnetism of the
north pole is termed red magnetism. Both terms originated presumably in
the painting of magnets, and are little used.
Synonym--South Magnetic Fluid.