*
AIM
TO INVESITGATE
THE TORQUE THAT
A CURRENT
CARRYING LOOP
EXPERIENCES IN A
CONSISTENT
MAGNETIC
FIELD…….
1|Page
*
INTRODUCTION
In the study of electromagnetism, it is well
known that a current-carrying conductor loop
placed in a magnetic field experiences a
force. When this loop or conductor shaped into
a loop, and placed in a constant/consistent
(uniform) magnetic field, it experiences a zero
net force. But the loop also experience a
torque that tend to rotate it, as two equal
opposite forces forms a couple which can
produce turning effect.
It defines the magnetic moment of the loop,
which determines the direction of the net
torque on the loop, given by the vector
product of the magnetic moment and the
electromagnetic field.
This principle forms the basis of several devices
such as ‘electric motor’, ‘galvanometers’,
‘magnetic compasses’ and moving coil
instruments.
2|Page
*
THEORY
Let’s look at the net force and net torque on a
current-carrying loop :-
According to ‘Lorentz’s Force Law’, a small
segment of a current-carrying conductor in a
magnetic field experiences a force that is
given by –
dF = Idl × B
F = IaB (top and bottom)
F = IbB (sides)
But the opposite side forces are opposing so-
F(net) = 0
Take the axis of rotation to be the Y-axis, then
the torque is-
𝜏 = IaB(b/2 sinø) + IaB(b/2 sinø)
𝜏 = IabBsinø
𝜏 = IABsinø (ab = A; area of the loop)
3|Page
*
Magnetic torque on a Current Loop
We can rewrite the toque as-
𝜏 = IABsinø = µBsinø (IA = µ)
𝜏 =µ×B
Where the direction of magnetic moment is
given by right-hand rule
4|Page
*
Here, µ = NIA n̂
where, N = Number of turns
A = Area of the loop/coil
I = Current through loop
n̂ = Unit vector normal to the loop
Thus, overall the magnitude of the toque is-
𝜏 = NIABsinø
Points to Ponder –
1) When, ø = 0 ; stable equilibrium
𝜏 = NIABsinø
𝜏 = 0(loop is aligned with field)
2 ) When, ø = 𝜋/2 ; maximum torque
𝜏 = NIABsinø
𝜏 = NIAB(loop is perpendicular to field)
3) When, ø = 𝜋 ; unstable equilibrium
𝜏 = NIABsinø
𝜏 = 0(loop is aligned with field)
5|Page
*
The net force on a current carrying loop in
a uniform magnetic field is zero.
We can define a magnetic moment ‘µ’
with magnitude NIA
The net force on the loop is given by the
vector product of magnetic dipole
moment of the loop and magnetic field
applied.
i.e., 𝜏 = µ × B
6|Page
*
Applications
Electric Motors : Use torque on loops to
create rotation.
Galvanometer : Measure small currents
using loop deflection.
Magnetic Compasses : Work on torque due
to Earth’s magnetic field.
Magnetic Dipole in a Non-Uniform Magnetic
Field
A current carrying loop with magnetic
moment pointing to the left is in a
magnetic field that decreases in
magnitude to the right.
When these forces are summed to find the
net force on the loop, the radial
components cancel so that the net force is
the right, away from the magnet.
7|Page
*
Conclusion
A current-carrying loop placed in a
consistent magnetic field experiences a
torque which tends to rotate the loop.
The magnitude of this torque depends on
the strength of the magnetic field(B), the
current in the loop(I), the area of the
loop(A), the number of turns, and the
angle(ø) between the magnetic field and
the normal unit vector to the loop.
The toque is mathematically given by
𝜏=NIABsinø, and it is maximum when the plane
of the loop is parallel to the magnetic field and is
minimum when the plane of the loop is
perpendicular to the magnetic field.
This principle is the working foundation of
many electromagnetic devices(some are
already discussed in this presentation).
8|Page