Calculating Jupiter's Magnetic Dipole Moment Using a Dipole Approximation

AI Thread Summary
Jupiter's magnetic dipole moment can be calculated using the dipole approximation, with its magnetic field strength at the poles measured at about 14 G. Initial calculations yielded incorrect results due to unit errors and misapplication of equations related to torque rather than magnetic dipole moments. The correct formula involves the magnetic moment constant and the radius of Jupiter, which is approximately 69.9 million meters. After adjustments, the dipole moment was recalculated to be around 2.6 x 10^29 A/M^2. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the correct equations and units for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement


Jupiter has the strongest magnetic field in our solar system, about 14 G at its poles.
Approximating the field as that of a dipole, find Jupiter's magnetic dipole moment

radius= 69.9*x10^6

Homework Equations


u=2UB
or
T=U*B

The Attempt at a Solution


T= (14x10^-4)*(.138*10^3)
.1932 A*M^2

Which is wrong
So then I tried:
2(14.4x10^-4)(.138*10^3)
.3864 A*M^2

Edit just noticed that I had units wrong on the diameter of Jupiter. If I change the calculation to:

T=(14*10^-4)(1.38*10^8)
we get: 1.932*10^5 A*M^2

Is that right?
 
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Can you define the meaning of the symbols in the equation T = U*B?
 
I don't see the equation giving the field of a dipole as a function of position among the numbers that you posted. Look for it here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_dipole
 
8081b701f00082f56579a1810b9285813750ca42


That one sounds more correct. M is a magnetic moment constant (14G in our case) and radius is 69.9*10^6m.

So then that works out to be:
2.6*10^29 A/M^2

Those equations were wrong because it was equation for torque. And B was magnetic strength.
 
Your expression ##\frac{\vec{m}\cdot \vec{r}}{4\pi r^3}## is off by a factor of 2μ0.
 
So equation is:

2Uo(M*r/4pir^3)

So 6.5*10^23
 
No, the equation is given in the Wikipedia link that I posted in #3. Use that with ##\vec{r}## being the position vector of Jupiter's pole.
 
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