In order to understand how a bar magnet is equivalent to a solenoid, it becomes important to understand what is

a bar magnet and what is a solenoid and what are their similarities and differences.

What is a bar magnet?

A bar magnet is a rectangular or a square piece of an object made from iron or steel having permanent magnetic
properties with two poles: north and south.

What is a solenoid?
A solenoid is a coil with the length greater than its diameter and is a type of an electromagnet to produce
controlled magnetic fields by passing an electric current through it.

Derivation of bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid

By calculating the axial field of a finite solenoid carrying current, bar magnet can be demonstrated as a solenoid.
Consider a solenoid of radius a and length 2l with n number of turns per unit length that has current I passing
through the solenoid. Considering a small element of thickness dx of the solenoid at distance x from O such that
OP = r.

Magnetic field due to n turns at axis of solenoid

μ 0 ndxI a 2
dB = 3
2[(r−x) 2 +a 2 ] 2

Integrating x from -I to +I to get the magnitude of the total field

3
μ 0 nI a 2 I dx
B= 2
∫ −I 3
[(r − x) 2 ] 2 = r3
[(r−x) 2 +a 2 ] 2

μ 0 nI a 2 I μ 0 nI 2Ia 2
And B = ∫ −I dx = 2
2r 3 r3
μ
Therefore, B = 4π0 2m
r3
From the above expression, it is understood that the magnetic moment of a bar magnet is equal to the magnetic
moment of a solenoid.

Difference between a bar magnet and a solenoid

The bar magnet is a permanent magnet whereas a solenoid is an electromagnet ie, it acts like a magnet
only when an electric current is passed through.
 When a bar magnet is cut into two halves, both the pieces act as a magnet with the same magnetic
properties whereas when a solenoid is cut into two halves, they will have weaker fields.
The poles of the bar magnet are fixed whereas for a solenoid the poles can be altered.
The strength of the magnetic field of a bar magnet is fixed ie, unaltered whereas the strength of the
magnetic field of solenoid depends on the electric current that is passed through it.

Similarities between a bar magnet and a solenoid

Bar magnet and solenoid both have attractive and directive properties ie, to align itself along the external
magnetic field.
The magnetic field at the axial point is the same for both.
The magnetic moment is the same for both.