The magnetic dipole experiences both torques and forces in this experiment. Whic
ID: 1368011 • Letter: T
Question
The magnetic dipole experiences both torques and forces in this experiment. Which observations characterize the effect of the torques on the dipole and which characterize the forces? Is it possible for the dipole to experience a torque without experiencing a net force?
When determining the dipole moment of the magnet, displacements of the dipole were measured directly. However, when measuring the field gradient of a single coil, it was necessary to place the dipole at the same location before and after the current was applied. Why was it not necessary to be concerned about the location of the dipole in the first case, but critically important in the second case?
Explanation / Answer
In a uniform electric field, the net force on an electric dipole is zero.Though there is no net force, this dipole experiences a torque = p × L that tends to align the vector p with the vector E.
A single magnet produce a uniform field. Hence we can measure the displacements directly. But, the magnetic field produced by a single current carrying coil is not uniform. it varies as a function of position. Hence, we should relocate the dipole after the current was applied in determinig dipole moments.
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