Torque in uniform magnetic field

Thread starter Deebu R
Start date Sep 14, 2016
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Field Magnetic Magnetic field Torque Uniform Uniform magnetic field

In summary, torque in a uniform magnetic field is the rotational force experienced by a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field, measured in newton-meters (Nm). It can be calculated using the equation τ = m x B and is affected by factors such as the strength of the magnetic field, the angle between the field and the magnetic moment, and the medium. The direction of torque is perpendicular to both the field and the moment and follows the right-hand rule. Torque is directly related to rotational motion, causing a dipole to rotate in the direction of the torque and affecting its speed if it is already rotating.

Sep 14, 2016

Deebu R

how can a rectangular coil placed in uniform magnetic field have torque? Isn't torque the force on an object while its rotating? Will the coil rotate in a magnetic field? I don't understand.

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Sep 14, 2016

Simon Bridge

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

ie. if the coil has an electric current going through it.

1. What is torque in a uniform magnetic field?

Torque in a uniform magnetic field is the measure of the rotational force experienced by a magnetic dipole when placed in a uniform magnetic field. It is represented by the symbol τ and is measured in newton-meters (Nm).

2. How is torque in a uniform magnetic field calculated?

The torque in a uniform magnetic field can be calculated using the equation τ = m x B, where m is the magnetic moment of the dipole and B is the strength of the magnetic field. This equation is derived from the cross product of the two vectors.

3. What factors affect the torque in a uniform magnetic field?

The torque in a uniform magnetic field is affected by the strength of the magnetic field, the angle between the magnetic field and the magnetic moment, and the magnitude of the magnetic moment. Additionally, the medium in which the dipole is placed can also have an impact on the torque.

4. What is the direction of torque in a uniform magnetic field?

The direction of torque in a uniform magnetic field is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the magnetic moment. It follows the right-hand rule, where if the fingers of the right hand point in the direction of B and the thumb points in the direction of m, the palm will point in the direction of the torque.

5. How is torque in a uniform magnetic field related to rotational motion?

Torque in a uniform magnetic field is directly related to rotational motion. When a magnetic dipole experiences a torque, it will rotate in the direction of the torque. Similarly, if a dipole is already rotating, it will experience a torque that will either increase or decrease its rotational speed depending on the direction of the torque.