Consider the following statements about a current loop placed in a uniform magnetic field:
(A) The loop experiences a net force as well as a torque.
(B) The torque on the loop is zero when its magnetic moment is parallel to the field.
(C) When the magnetic moment is antiparallel to the field, the loop is in stable equilibrium.
(D) The SI unit of the magnetic moment of the loop is A m2.
Choose the INCORRECT statements from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A) and (C) only
In a uniform field, the forces on opposite sides of a current loop are equal and opposite. They form a couple, and the torque on the loop is \( \vec\tau=\vec m\times\vec B \).
(A) The loop experiences a net force as well as a torque. — False. The forces on the arms add up to zero, so there is a torque but no net force.
(B) The torque on the loop is zero when its magnetic moment is parallel to the field. — True. With \( \vec m \) parallel to \( \vec B \), \( \sin\theta=0 \) and the torque is zero.
(C) When the magnetic moment is antiparallel to the field, the loop is in stable equilibrium. — False. The torque is zero there too, but a small turn produces a torque that turns the loop further. So the equilibrium is unstable.
(D) The SI unit of the magnetic moment of the loop is A m2. — True. Since \( m=IA \), its unit is ampere times square metre.
NCERT (2026-27):
Torque on a rectangular current loop in a uniform magnetic field – “We now show that a rectangular loop carrying a steady current I and placed in a uniform magnetic field experiences a torque. It does not experience a net force. …”
Torque on a rectangular current loop in a uniform magnetic field – “… the torque τ vanishes when m is either parallel or antiparallel to the magnetic field B. …”
Torque on a rectangular current loop in a uniform magnetic field – “… When m and B are parallel the equilibrium is a stable one. Any small rotation of the coil produces a torque which brings it back to its original position. When they are antiparallel, the equilibrium is unstable as any rotation produces a torque which increases with the amount of rotation. …”
Torque on a rectangular current loop in a uniform magnetic field – “… the dimensions of the magnetic moment are [A][L2] and its unit is Am2.”