Derive an expression for the torque acting on a current-carrying loop suspended in a uniform magnetic field.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Consider a rectangular coil $ABCD$ of length $b$ and width $a$ carrying current $I$, suspended in a uniform magnetic field $\overrightarrow{B}$ such that its axis is perpendicular to the field.
The area of the coil is $A = a b$.
The magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor is given by $\vec{F} = I(\vec{L} \times \vec{B})$.
For the arms $AD$ and $BC$, the current is parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field $\vec{B}$. Thus, the force on these arms is $F = I L B \sin(0^{\circ}) = 0$.
For the arms $AB$ and $CD$, the current is perpendicular to the magnetic field $\vec{B}$.
The force on arm $AB$ is $\vec{F_1} = I b B \sin(90^{\circ}) = I b B$ (directed into the plane).
The force on arm $CD$ is $\vec{F_2} = I b B \sin(90^{\circ}) = I b B$ (directed out of the plane).
These two equal and opposite forces $\vec{F_1}$ and $\vec{F_2}$ form a couple that exerts a torque $\tau$ on the loop.
The torque is given by $\tau = \text{Force} \times \text{perpendicular distance}$.
$\tau = (I b B) \times (a) = I (ab) B = I A B$.
If the coil has $N$ turns, the total torque is $\tau = N I A B$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Due to the flow of current in a circular loop of radius $R$,the magnetic field produced at the centre of the loop is $B$. The magnetic moment of the loop is:

The radius of a circular loop is $r$ and a current $i$ is flowing in it. The equivalent magnetic moment will be

An insulated wire is wound so that it forms a flat coil with $N = 200$ turns. The radius of the innermost turn is $r_1 = 3\text{ cm}$, and of the outermost turn $r_2 = 6\text{ cm}$. If $20\text{ mA}$ current flows in it, then the magnetic moment will be $\alpha \times 10^{-2}\text{ A.m}^2$. The value of $\alpha$ is . . . . . . .

$A$ wire of length $L$ $m$ carrying a current of $I$ $A$ is bent in the form of a circle. Its magnitude of magnetic moment will be

Write the unit and formula of the magnetic dipole moment due to a current-carrying loop.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo