Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Permanent Magnets
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Permanent Magnets
As illustrated in the figure, two short magnets with equal dipole...
As illustrated in the figure, two short magnets with equal dipole moments are joined perpendicularly at their centres. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at a distance from the centre along the bisector of the right angle?

Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
A.
Step-by-step solution
Let the centre of the two magnets be at the origin .
The horizontal magnet has its South pole on the left and North pole on the right. Its magnetic dipole moment is directed from South to North, so .
The vertical magnet has its South pole at the bottom and North pole at the top. Its magnetic dipole moment is also directed from South to North, so .
The net magnetic dipole moment of the system is the vector sum of the individual dipole moments:
The magnitude of the net dipole moment is:
The direction of is at an angle of to the positive x-axis, which is along the bisector of the angle between the two North poles.
The point is at a distance along the bisector of the angle between the two South poles. This direction is exactly opposite to the direction of the net dipole moment. Therefore, the point lies on the axial line of the equivalent net dipole.
The magnitude of the magnetic field on the axial line of a short dipole at a distance is given by:
Substituting , we get:
The horizontal magnet has its South pole on the left and North pole on the right. Its magnetic dipole moment is directed from South to North, so .
The vertical magnet has its South pole at the bottom and North pole at the top. Its magnetic dipole moment is also directed from South to North, so .
The net magnetic dipole moment of the system is the vector sum of the individual dipole moments:
The magnitude of the net dipole moment is:
The direction of is at an angle of to the positive x-axis, which is along the bisector of the angle between the two North poles.
The point is at a distance along the bisector of the angle between the two South poles. This direction is exactly opposite to the direction of the net dipole moment. Therefore, the point lies on the axial line of the equivalent net dipole.
The magnitude of the magnetic field on the axial line of a short dipole at a distance is given by:
Substituting , we get: