A magnetic monopole is a hypothetical particle in particle physics that is an isolated magnet with only one magnetic pole (a north pole without a south pole or vice-versa). In more technical terms, a magnetic monopole would have a net "magnetic charge". Modern interest in the concept stems from particle theories, notably the grand unified and superstring theories, which predict their existence.
Magnetism in bar magnets and electromagnets does not arise from magnetic monopoles, and in fact there is no conclusive experimental evidence that magnetic monopoles exist at all in the universe.
Effective (non-isolated) magnetic monopole quasi-particles exist in some condensed matter systems.
Read more about Magnetic Monopole: Poles and Magnetism in Ordinary Matter, Maxwell's Equations, Dirac's Quantization, Grand Unified Theories, Searches For Magnetic Monopoles, "Monopoles" in Condensed-matter Systems, Appendix
Famous quotes containing the word magnetic:
“We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to communicate.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)