Relation between torque and magnetic moment

In summary, the magnetic moment of a charged particle is defined as ##\vec{M}=\frac{1}{2}q\,(\,\vec{r}\times\vec{v})##. By applying a magnetic field parallel to the plane of a circle in which a charged particle is moving, a contradiction arises when calculating the torque using the formula ##\vec{N}=\vec{M}\times\vec{B}##. This is because the particle needs to travel in a circle with the charge distribution spread out over the complete ring, causing different locations on the ring to experience varying torques. Additionally, the double cross product formula used in the calculation is incorrect.
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The magnetic moment ##\vec{M}## of a charged particle is defined as ##\vec{M}=\frac{1}{2}q\,(\,\vec{r}\times\vec{v})##.

Starting with torque ##\vec{N}=\vec{M}\times\vec{B}##, I arrive at a contradiction.

Consider a charge particle moving at a constant speed ##v## anticlockwise in a circle of radius ##r##. A magnetic field ##\vec{B}## is applied parallel to the plane of this circle. Consider the instant when ##\vec{B}## is in the same direction as ##\vec{r}##, the position vector of the particle, taking the center of the circle as the origin. Thus, ##\vec{r}\times\vec{B}=0##.

Then, ##\vec{N}=\frac{1}{2}q(\vec{r}\times\vec{v})\times\vec{B}##
##=\frac{1}{2}q[\vec{r}\times(\vec{v}\times\vec{B})-\vec{v}\times(\vec{r}\times\vec{B})]##
##=\frac{1}{2}\vec{r}\times\vec{F}-0##
##=\frac{1}{2}\vec{N}##, a contradiction.

What's wrong?

image.png
 
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  • #2
The magnetic moment is a current loop and the particle needs to travel in a circle with the charge distribution spread out over the complete ring. The different locations on the ring do not all experience the same torque. Meanwhile, please check your double cross product: I think ## a \times (b \times c)=(a \cdot c)b-(a \cdot b)c ## . The definition of the magnetic moment that you have with the 1/2 factor is correct.
 

Related to Relation between torque and magnetic moment

1. What is the definition of torque and magnetic moment?

Torque is the measure of the amount of force that can cause an object to rotate. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance of this force from the object's center of rotation. Magnetic moment is a measure of a magnet's strength and is defined as the product of the magnetic field strength and the area of the loop through which the field passes.

2. How are torque and magnetic moment related?

Torque and magnetic moment are related through the force exerted on a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field. This force is equal to the cross product of the magnetic moment and the magnetic field strength. In other words, the torque on a magnetic dipole is equal to the product of its magnetic moment and the strength of the magnetic field.

3. What is the formula for calculating torque and magnetic moment?

The formula for torque is T = r x F, where r is the distance from the axis of rotation to the point of force application and F is the applied force. The formula for magnetic moment is μ = IA, where I is the current flowing through a loop and A is the area of the loop.

4. How does changing the magnetic field strength affect torque and magnetic moment?

Increasing the magnetic field strength will result in an increase in both torque and magnetic moment. This is because the force on a magnetic dipole is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. Therefore, a stronger magnetic field will exert a larger force on the dipole, resulting in a larger torque and magnetic moment.

5. What are some real-life applications of the relation between torque and magnetic moment?

The relation between torque and magnetic moment is important in many everyday devices such as electric motors, generators, and MRI machines. It is also used in various scientific experiments, such as measuring the strength of a magnetic field or studying the behavior of magnetic materials.

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