COMEDK2021PhysicsMagnetic Properties of Matter
A bar magnet is oscillating in the earth's magnetic field with a period T . What happens to its period and motion, if its mass is quadrupled?
Options
- AMotion remains simple harmonic with time period 4 T .
- BMotion remains simple harmonic with time period nearly constant.
- CMotion remains simple harmonic and time period becomes T / 2
- DMotion remains simple harmonic with time period 2 T .
Correct answer
D. Motion remains simple harmonic with time period 2 T .
Step-by-step solution
The time period T of a bar magnet oscillating in a uniform magnetic field B is given by the formula T = 2 I MB , where I is the moment of inertia of the magnet and M is its magnetic dipole moment. For a bar magnet of mass m , length l , and width w , the moment of inertia about the axis of oscillation is I = m(l^2 + w^2) 12 . When the mass is quadrupled, the new mass m' = 4m . Assuming the dimensions of the magnet remain unchanged, the new moment of inertia becomes I' = (4m)(l^2 + w^2) 12 = 4I . The new time period