Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R)
Assertion (A) : Magnetic monopoles do not exist.
Reason (R) : Magnetic field lines are continuous and form closed loops.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• B. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• C. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Remember Gauss's law for magnetism, which states that the net magnetic flux through any closed surface is zero. This law is a mathematical formulation of the non-existence of magnetic monopoles and directly leads to the property that magnetic field lines are continuous and form closed loops.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To analyze the provided statements, we will examine the assertion and its supporting reason:

• Assertion (A): Magnetic monopoles do not exist.
• Reason (R): Magnetic field lines are continuous and form closed loops.

Explanation:

1. Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles possessing only a single magnetic pole (either north or south). Conversely, all observed magnets exhibit both a north and a south pole. To date, no magnetic monopoles have been detected in nature within the framework of modern physics.
2. Magnetic field lines visually represent a magnetic field's direction and strength. A fundamental characteristic of these lines is that they invariably form closed loops. This implies that a field line originating from a magnet's north pole terminates at its south pole, thereby affirming the absence of isolated magnetic poles (monopoles).

The observed characteristic of magnetic field lines forming closed loops directly supports the assertion that isolated monopoles are non-existent. Consequently, the non-existence of magnetic monopoles is a direct implication of the continuous, loop-forming nature of magnetic field lines, which do not terminate on a single pole.

Conclusion: The assertion that magnetic monopoles do not exist is valid. The reason provided, that magnetic field lines form closed loops, accurately substantiates this assertion. Therefore, both statements are correct, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

The correct option is: Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).