Which one of the following statements regarding magnetic field is NOT correct?

The magnetic field is a vector quantity characterized by both magnitude and direction. A fundamental property of magnetic field lines is that they form continuous closed loops [1]. Outside a magnet, these lines emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole, while inside the magnet, they travel from the south pole back to the north pole [1]. This continuity exists because magnetic monopoles do not exist; thus, field lines have no beginning or end. Consequently, the statement that magnetic field lines are 'open curves' is incorrect. Additionally, magnetic field lines never intersect or cross each other [1]. If they were to cross, a compass needle at the point of intersection would have to point in two different directions simultaneously, which is physically impossible [1]. The relative strength of the field is indicated by the density or closeness of these lines [1][2].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > Activity 12.3 > p. 197
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > What you have learnt > p. 206