Physics II / Magnetostatics in Vacuum
Practice question · Estimate

A current loop of magnetic moment 0.5 A m2^2 sits in a 0.4 T field with its moment perpendicular to the field. Set the magnitude of the torque on it, in N m.

Estimate on a scale from No torque (0) to 0.5 N m (0.5).

Hints
  1. Torque is the magnetic moment crossed with the field.
  2. At 90 degrees the sine factor is 1, so compute 0.5 x 0.4.
Show the answer

0.2 (answers within ±0.03 count)

Why

τ=mBsinθ=0.5×0.4×1=0.2\tau = mB\sin\theta = 0.5 \times 0.4 \times 1 = 0.2 N m. The net force is zero in a uniform field, opposite sides cancel, so the loop turns without being dragged. A net force needs a field gradient.

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