The ratio of magnetic fields at the centre of a current carrying a circular loop of radius 16 cm and at a point on its axis at a distance $r$ from its centre is 125 : 64. The value of $r$ is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 12 cm
Magnetic field at the centre of a circular loop:
$B_{centre} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2R}$
Magnetic field on the axis at distance $r$ from centre:
$B_{axis} = \frac{\mu_0 I R^2}{2(R^2 + r^2)^{3/2}}$
Given ratio:
$\frac{B_{centre}}{B_{axis}} = \frac{125}{64}$
Substitute values:
$\frac{\frac{\mu_0 I}{2R}}{\frac{\mu_0 I R^2}{2(R^2 + r^2)^{3/2}}} = \frac{125}{64}$
$\frac{(R^2 + r^2)^{3/2}}{R^3} = \frac{125}{64}$
Radius $R = 16 \, \text{cm}$
$(R^2 + r^2)^{3/2} = \frac{125}{64} R^3$
Take power $2/3$:
$R^2 + r^2 = \left(\frac{125}{64}\right)^{2/3} R^2$
$\left(\frac{125}{64}\right)^{2/3} = \left(\frac{5^3}{4^3}\right)^{2/3} = \left(\frac{5}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{25}{16}$
$R^2 + r^2 = \frac{25}{16} R^2$
$r^2 = \frac{25}{16}R^2 - R^2 = \frac{9}{16}R^2$
$r = \frac{3}{4}R$
For $R = 16 \, \text{cm}$:
$r = \frac{3}{4} \times 16 = 12 \, \text{cm}$
Final Answer:
$r = 12 \, \text{cm}$