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Torque on a Current-Loop in a Uniform Magnetic Field

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Estimated time: 6 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

A current-carrying loop placed in a uniform magnetic field behaves like a tiny magnet. Although the net force on the loop is zero, the field exerts a net torque that tends to rotate the loop — similar to how wind cannot push a rotating door sideways but can still spin it on its hinge.

CISCE: Class 12

Derivation

Setup: Consider a rectangular loop PQRS of length l and breadth b, carrying current I, placed in a uniform field B, with its plane inclined at angle θ to the field.

Step Action Result
1 Identify forces on all four arms (PQ, QR, RS, SP) Forces on QR and SP are equal, opposite, and collinear → cancel out
2 Examine forces on PQ and RS Equal, opposite, but not collinear → form a couple
3 Compute force magnitude on PQ/RS F = B I l
4 Compute perpendicular distance between forces d = b sin⁡ θ
5 Calculate torque τ = F × d = BI l × b sin⁡ θ = BIA sin⁡ θ
CISCE: Class 12

Special Cases: Torque vs. Orientation

θ (angle between \[\vec m\] and \[\vec B\]) Torque τ Physical Meaning
0 \[\vec m\] parallel to \[\vec B\] → Stable equilibrium
90° Maximum (mB) Loop plane parallel to \[\vec B\] → Maximum rotational tendency
180° 0 \[\vec m\] antiparallel to \[\vec B\] → Unstable equilibrium
CISCE: Class 12

Example

Given: B = 3000 G = 0.3 T, loop dimensions 10 cm × 5 cm, I = 12 A

Orientation θ Torque Calculation Torque Value
Plane ⊥ to B τ = IAB sin 0 ° 0 N·m
Plane at 45° to B 45° τ = IAB sin⁡ 45° ≈ 1.27 N·m
Plane ∥ to B 90° τ = IAB sin⁡ 90° ≈ 1.8 N·m (maximum)
CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Analogy

This exact principle powers the coil in an electric motor, and the pointer mechanism of a moving-coil galvanometer — both rotate due to magnetic torque on a current loop.

Shaalaa.com | Moving Charge and Magnetism part 30 (Torque on current loop :- part 1)

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Moving Charge and Magnetism part 30 (Torque on current loop :- part 1) [00:11:30]
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