- #1
rndnrg
- 3
- 0
I've run across a diagram that really is driving me crazy. The torque on a mag. dipole should be simply be τ = m X B, where B is the external field as usual.
In the image I've attached, there is a large external field, not shown, in the direction of Z which is holding the dipole in the +Z direction. We then switch on a mag. field in the +X direction. What's shown is the dipole moving towards +Y...
I would expect it to be deflected down towards +X. Am I right in thinking that the torque vector really shouldn't be the direction of movement. Rather, you should use the right hand rule to determine the force and direction of movement. If I'm completely wrong let me know. I've been staring at this for days now. :)
In the image I've attached, there is a large external field, not shown, in the direction of Z which is holding the dipole in the +Z direction. We then switch on a mag. field in the +X direction. What's shown is the dipole moving towards +Y...
I would expect it to be deflected down towards +X. Am I right in thinking that the torque vector really shouldn't be the direction of movement. Rather, you should use the right hand rule to determine the force and direction of movement. If I'm completely wrong let me know. I've been staring at this for days now. :)