Magnetic Field Torque: Surrounding vs. Net Vector Addition?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the torque exerted on an electromagnet when an external magnetic field is present. It clarifies that the torque formula involves only the external magnetic field, not the electromagnet's own field. The effective magnetic dipole moment of the electromagnet, influenced by the current, plays a crucial role in determining the torque. The relationship between the external field and the electromagnet's moment, including their relative directions, is essential for understanding the torque's behavior. Overall, the torque is defined as a twisting force applied to the electromagnet by the external magnetic field.
jyotirmaya ojha
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Lets say you have an electromagnet which produces some magnetic field when current is passed through it . Now there is some magnetic field in its surrounding then it is expected to exert some torque according to the formula torque=magnetic moment*magnetic field .Now my question is :
will the magnetic field used in this formula be just of the surrounding or the net vector addition of surrounding magnetic field and its own magnetic field ?
 
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Would it matter if the polarity of the 2 fields were in opposition?
 
Just the external field.
 
marcusl said:
Just the external field.

Is the original magnetic field ignored entirely?
If so then, what would be the effect of increasing or decreasing the current being passed through the original magnet?
 
The torque depends on the the external field, on the effective magnetic dipole moment of the electromagnet, and on their relative directions. If the magnet geometry is such that it has a moment, then increasing the current increases the moment.
 
For my own clarity, Torque is a measure of the twisting force being applied against the Electromagnetic field, from the external magnet, at the magnetic moment?

Better?

Edit: to replace pressure with twisting force
 
Last edited:
Torque is not a pressure, it is a twisting force or moment.
 
Yes
 
marcusl said:
Yes
Thank you. :-)
 
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