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 :

For a magnetic field $$\mathbf{B}$$, Gauss’s law for magnetism states $$\nabla\!\cdot\!\mathbf{B}=0$$ $$-(1)$$.

Equation $$(1)$$ means the net magnetic flux through any closed surface is zero. Hence there are no sources or sinks of the magnetic field analogous to electric charges. In other words, isolated north poles or south poles (magnetic monopoles) are absent. This validates Assertion (A).

Because $$\nabla\!\cdot\!\mathbf{B}=0$$ everywhere, magnetic field lines can neither start nor end; they must be continuous and form closed loops. Therefore Reason (R) is also a correct statement.

Moreover, the continuity of magnetic field lines (closed loops) is the direct physical manifestation of $$\nabla\!\cdot\!\mathbf{B}=0$$, which is precisely why magnetic monopoles do not exist. Thus Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

So, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

Answer: Option C