Difference in these two concepts of Magnetic Torque

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differing concepts of magnetic torque as applied to current-carrying loops in magnetic fields. Participants explore the relationship between torque, magnetic moments, and the behavior of electromagnets in external magnetic fields, touching on theoretical and conceptual aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding two concepts of torque related to current-carrying loops in magnetic fields, questioning the absence of electromagnet terminology in one of the concepts.
  • Another participant clarifies that B refers to the magnetic field, prompting further discussion on the nature of electromagnets.
  • A participant explains that a current-carrying loop has a magnetic moment and that torque is exerted on it in an external magnetic field, presenting an analogy involving magnetic poles.
  • There is a suggestion that thinking of current-carrying loops in terms of magnetic poles may not be the most helpful analogy, despite its validity in certain contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the two concepts of magnetic torque are equivalent, and there is ongoing debate regarding the usefulness of analogies involving magnetic poles.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of magnetic torque and magnetic moments are not explicitly stated, and the discussion reflects varying interpretations of the concepts involved.

Physicslearner500039
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TL;DR
Understanding the difference of magnetic force
I am confused with the concept of Torque handled differently in books,
Concept1: If a loop is placed in a magnetic field and the current flowing in the loop is ##I## there will be force and torque acting on the loop given by ##F = I \vec l \times \vec B ##. The torque is given by ##\tau =\vec \mu \times \vec B ##.
Concept2: If a current flows through the loop then it becomes an electromagnet and a North and South pole are developed and if another magnetic field is present then there will be another North and South pole. The similar poles repel each other and a torque is produced.
Are the two concepts same? Why there is no mention of electromagnet in the concept1? Please advise.
 
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First of all: what is B?
 
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Borek said:
First of all: what is B?
B is magnetic field
 
Physicslearner500039 said:
B is magnetic field

Electromagnet produces magnetic field, doesn't it?
 
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A current carrying loop has a magnetic moment ##\vec{m} = I\vec{A}##. It is correct that in an external magnetic field a couple ##\vec{\tau} = \vec{m} \times \vec{B}## is exerted on the loop.

If you like, you can think of a magnetic moment equivalently as two opposite magnetic poles of magnitude ##p## separated by a vector ##\vec{l}##, such that$$\vec{m} = p\vec{l}$$This is more natural for e.g. a bar magnet, but I suppose there is nothing stopping you from thinking about the current carrying loop in terms of magnetic poles.

Physicslearner500039 said:
Concept2: If a current flows through the loop then it becomes an electromagnet and a North and South pole are developed and if another magnetic field is present then there will be another North and South pole. The similar poles repel each other and a torque is produced.

Are you saying that, e.g. the external magnetic field is produced by another bar magnet, whose north pole (say) is repelling the effective north pole of the current carrying loop. I suppose that is a fine analogy, but it's probably not really helpful to think of current carrying loops in terms of magnetic poles.
 
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