A current carrying coil is subjected to a uniformmagnetic field. The c...
The plane of coil will orient itself so that area vector aligns itself along the magnetic field.
So, the plane will orient perpendicular to the magnetic field.
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A current carrying coil is subjected to a uniformmagnetic field. The c...
Understanding Coil Orientation in a Magnetic Field
When a current-carrying coil is placed in a uniform magnetic field, it experiences a torque due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnetic moment of the coil. This interaction determines how the coil will orient itself.
Magnetic Moment and Torque
- The magnetic moment of a coil is a vector quantity that depends on the current flowing through the coil and the area of the coil.
- When subjected to a magnetic field, a torque is produced, which attempts to align the magnetic moment with the magnetic field direction.
Equilibrium Position
- The coil seeks to reach a position of minimum potential energy.
- In this case, the potential energy of the system is minimized when the magnetic moment of the coil is aligned with the magnetic field.
Why Perpendicular Orientation?
- For a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field, the torque is maximized when the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
- In this position, the magnetic forces are balanced, and the coil experiences stable equilibrium.
Conclusion
- Hence, when a current-carrying coil is subjected to a uniform magnetic field, it will orient itself such that its plane becomes perpendicular to the magnetic field. This orientation minimizes the potential energy and stabilizes the system, confirming that the correct answer is option 'D'.