Magnetic Dipole Moment does not include the permeability of free space?

In summary, the magnetic dipole moment does not include the permeability of free space. It represents the strength of the interaction between a dipole and an external magnetic field, similar to the electric dipole moment. While the formula for a magnetic field in a current loop includes the permeability of free space, the magnetic dipole moment is defined without it.
  • #1
H_man
145
0
Magnetic Dipole Moment does not include the permeability of free space?

Hi,

The formula for a magnetic field in a current loop involves the permeability of free space.

But the formula for the magnetic dipole moment which seems to represent the flux through a current loop does not incorporate the permeability of free space.

Whats happening here?

:bugeye:
 
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  • #2
It's just a question of where you put the constant mu0.
It's not usually put in the mag mom. Then mu0/4pi is put into the Eq. for B, just as it is for B due to currents.
The mag mom is NOT the flux through a current loop.
 
  • #3
Anything that you measure involving the magnetic moment also involves a magnetics field, and the permeability is included in that magnetic fielc.
 
  • #4
Thanks for that, though its still not entirely clear.

What exactly is the Magnetic Dipole Moment a measure of then?

I ask this as I know in the Stern Gerlach exp. the Ag atoms experience a torque due to the dipole moments of the electrons being acted upon by the magnetic field into which it enters. And I originally assumed that the dipole moment was a way of stating the magentic field strength of the current loop...



:bugeye:
 
  • #5
What exactly is the Magnetic Dipole Moment a measure of then?

It is a measure of how strong the interaction between that dipole and an external magnetic field would be.
 
  • #6
Use the analogue of the electric dipole moment. This is simply the charge times a separation. You do not see [itex]\epsilon_0[/itex] anywhere, do you ?

Likewise, there is no reason for the magnetic dipole moment to have [itex]\mu_0[/itex] in it. This is by definition.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Thanks guys, its all much clearer now.

:smile:
 

1. What is magnetic dipole moment?

Magnetic dipole moment is a measure of the strength and direction of a magnetic dipole. It is a vector quantity that is defined as the product of the current flowing through a loop of wire and the area of that loop.

2. Why does magnetic dipole moment not include the permeability of free space?

The permeability of free space is a constant that is used to relate the strength of a magnetic field to the current producing it. However, the magnetic dipole moment is a property of an object and does not depend on the medium it is in. Therefore, it does not include the permeability of free space.

3. How is magnetic dipole moment different from electric dipole moment?

Magnetic dipole moment is a measure of a magnetic dipole's strength and direction, while electric dipole moment is a measure of an electric dipole's strength and direction. The two concepts are analogous, but they are related to different types of fields (magnetic vs. electric).

4. What factors affect the magnetic dipole moment of an object?

The magnetic dipole moment of an object is affected by the current flowing through it and the area of the loop through which the current is flowing. Additionally, the orientation of the loop in relation to an external magnetic field can also affect the magnetic dipole moment.

5. Why is the magnetic dipole moment important in physics?

The magnetic dipole moment is an important concept in physics because it helps us understand the behavior of magnetic materials and how they interact with magnetic fields. It is also used in many applications, such as in the design of motors and generators, and in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

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