Potential, Magnetic

The magnetic potential at any point of a magnetic field expre es the work which would be done by the magnetic forces of the field on a positive unit of magnetism as it moves from that point to an infinite distance therefrom. The converse applies to a negative unit. It is the exact analogue of absolute electric potential. The potential at any point due to a positive pole m at a distance r is m/r;. that due to a negative pole - m at a distance r' is equal to -m/r';. that due to both is equal to m/r - m/r' or m(1/r - 1/r'). Like electric potential and potential in general, magnetic potential while numerically expre ing work or energy is neither, although often defined as such. 432   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY.