When a current carrying coil is placed in a uniform external magnetic field with its magnetic moment antiparallel to the external magnetic field, then (A) its potential energy is minimum Choose the correct answer from the options given below: |
(A), (C) and (E) only (B), (D) and (E) only (B), (C) and (E) only (A), (D) and (E) only |
(B), (D) and (E) only |
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B), (D) and (E) only Potential energy of a magnetic dipole in uniform field: $U = -\vec{M} \cdot \vec{B} = -MB\cos\theta$ Case: $\vec{M}$ antiparallel to $\vec{B}$, i.e. $\theta = 180^\circ$ $U = -MB\cos(180^\circ) = -MB(-1) = +MB$ This is the maximum potential energy. Torque: $\tau = MB\sin\theta = MB\sin(180^\circ) = 0$ At $\theta = 180^\circ$, torque is zero and system is in unstable equilibrium. Correct options: (B), (D), (E) |